Watch Circo

In 2010, director Aaron Schock released his debut feature-length documentary film, Circo. The movie follows the lives of the Ponce family, who operate a traditional Mexican circus in the small town of Santa Maria del Tule. The film opens with establishing shots of the circus, which is a small operation compared to the glitz and glamour of larger, more well-known circuses. The Ponce family is shown setting up their tent, tents for the performers, and a makeshift kitchen in a dusty lot surrounded by cornfields.

The family patriarch, Tino, is the ringleader of the circus, and at the start of the film, is beginning to question the sustainability of their business. He feels that the circus is not bringing in enough money to support their large family (including his wife and their seven children) and is tired of struggling to make ends meet.

As the documentary unfolds, we learn more about the Ponce family and their history with the circus. Tino's parents were both circus performers, and Tino himself grew up performing in the circus. He and his wife, Ivonne, met while performing together in a traveling circus, and they eventually started their own small circus in order to provide for their growing family.

The circus itself is a fascinating and slightly surreal place. There are clowns, trapeze artists, and acrobats, as well as more traditional circus acts like a lion tamer and a tightrope walker. The performers all live and eat together, creating a tight-knit community.

As the film goes on, tensions within the family begin to rise. Tino has a strong personality and can be controlling, which puts a strain on his relationships with his wife and children. At one point, he unilaterally decides to add a new, expensive attraction to the circus without consulting anyone else in the family, leading to arguments about the financial stability of the circus.

The film also explores the idea of tradition and legacy within the circus world. Tino is adamant that the circus must continue, and he wants his children to carry on the family business. However, some of his children have other aspirations and dreams, leading to conflicts between generations.

Despite the personal struggles of the Ponce family, the circus itself is a captivating and magical place. The performances are mesmerizing, and the behind-the-scenes glimpses into circus life are fascinating. By the end of the film, it's clear that the circus is more than just a business for the Ponce family - it's a way of life and a part of their identity.

Circo is a beautifully-shot documentary that provides a unique look at circus life. The film is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Ponce family, who strive to keep their small circus afloat against all odds. It's a thought-provoking exploration of family dynamics, the importance of tradition, and the sacrifices people make in order to pursue their passions.

Circo is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 77.