Watch Spirit of the Marathon II

Spirit of the Marathon II is a documentary film released in 2013 that chronicles the experiences of six runners from different walks of life and backgrounds as they prepare for and compete in the Rome Marathon. The film is a sequel to the original Spirit of the Marathon, released in 2007, which chronicled the preparation and participation of several runners in the Chicago Marathon.

The film is directed by Jon Dunham and produced by Gwendolen Twist. It stars Domenico Anzini, Epiphanie Nyirabarame, Domenico Scipioni, as well as four other runners whose stories are followed throughout the film.

The film is an inspirational ode to human resilience, determination and perseverance, as each of the runners faces their own personal challenges and obstacles whilst preparing for the marathon. Some of these challenges include injuries, family commitments, and even cultural barriers.

The film opens with panoramic shots of the beautiful city of Rome, Italy, as well as archival footage of past Rome Marathons. This sets the tone for the film, highlighting the rich history and tradition of the marathon and its significance in Italian culture.

We are then introduced to the six runners who are the focus of the film. They come from diverse backgrounds – some are seasoned runners, while others are new to the sport. All of them share the same goal, which is to cross the finishing line of the Rome Marathon.

Each runner’s narrative is interspersed with stunning footage of Rome’s historic landmarks and buildings, giving viewers a feel of the city’s beauty and drawing a parallel between the runners’ journeys and the city’s own history.

We follow Domenico Scipioni, a passionate Roman runner whose grandfather ran in the first Rome Marathon in 1952. We see him running through the crowded streets of Rome, as he shares his love and pride for the city and the race. Along with his personal journey, we also get to see his relationship with his wife and the impact of his marathon training on his family.

We are also introduced to Epiphanie Nyirabarame, a Rwandan runner who has experienced the devastation of the genocide and uses running as a tool for healing and to spread hope. Her story is a touching and moving one, and her resilience and courage is remarkable.

The film also follows Domenico Anzini, a man who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident and was told he would never run again. His journey back to health and fitness is as inspiring as it is emotional.

Each of the other three runners’ stories follows suit, and throughout the film we see them endure hardships and setbacks, but continue to push themselves towards their goal of completing the marathon.

The film does an excellent job of showcasing the sense of community and camaraderie at the heart of long-distance running. We see how the runners support each other and share their experiences throughout their training, offering advice and encouragement to each other.

The race itself is a gripping climax to the film as all six runners prepare to tackle the 26-mile course through Rome. The beauty and majesty of Rome provide a stunning backdrop as thousands of runners take to the streets, and we get to experience the race from the runners’ point of view.

Spirit of the Marathon II is a beautifully shot, emotionally charged documentary that showcases the human spirit’s resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. It’s a celebration of the power of running, the beauty of Rome, and the unbreakable spirit of the human race.

Spirit of the Marathon II is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.