Watch The Circus Dynasty

The Circus Dynasty is a fascinating documentary film from 2014 exploring the life and legacy of the Casselly family, a dynasty of German circus performers who have been in the business for over 200 years. The film follows the family's matriarch, Merrylu Casselly, as she attempts to revive her family's circus tradition. Merrylu is a strong and determined woman who was born into the circus and has been performing since she was a child. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including changing attitudes towards animal rights and a declining interest in traditional circuses, Merrylu is determined to keep her family's legacy alive.

The film also features the story of Patrick Berdino, a French circus performer who marries into the Casselly family. Patrick is a talented acrobat who has performed in circuses all over the world. He falls in love with Merrylu's daughter Jenny, and the two begin a relationship that ultimately leads to marriage. But like Merrylu, Patrick also faces challenges as he tries to navigate the changing landscape of the circus world.

Through interviews with the Casselly family and their colleagues, as well as stunning footage of their performances, The Circus Dynasty paints a vivid portrait of the circus world and the people who make it their home. We see the hard work and dedication that goes into each performance, as well as the deep love and respect the Cassellys have for their animals.

The film also explores the darker side of the circus, including the danger and risk that performers face every day. We see several heart-stopping moments as the performers execute daring stunts with seemingly little regard for their safety. And we also see the emotional toll that this life can take on them, as they struggle to balance their love for the circus with their desire for a stable and fulfilling life outside of it.

One of the most striking aspects of The Circus Dynasty is the way it captures the unique bond between the Cassellys and their animals. The family has a long tradition of working with elephants, and we see how they care for and train these magnificent creatures with kindness and respect. But we also see the challenges they face as they try to keep their animals comfortable and healthy while on the road.

Overall, The Circus Dynasty is a mesmerizing and emotionally resonant documentary that offers a rare glimpse into the world of the circus. Whether you're a lifelong circus fan or simply curious about this fascinating subculture, this film is not to be missed.

The Circus Dynasty is a 2019 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.