An already hardscrabble existence for Sardinian shepherd Michele (Michele Cossu) worsened after a pack of bandits passed through his land... and the local authorities found him complicit in their murder of a policeman. Fleeing into the mountains with his younger brother and their flock, the trip would have disastrous consequences and an ironic conclusion, in this remarkable and ripe-for-rediscovery realist effort from documentarian Vittorio de Seta. 95 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: Italian; Subtitles: English; featurettes; theatrical trailer. In Italian with English subtitles.
"Bandits of Orgosolo" is a landmark Italian film directed by Vittorio De Seta, now available in high-definition Blu-Ray format from Radiance. This 1961 neorealist drama tells the gripping story of Michele, a shepherd wrongfully accused of murder who flees into the rugged Sardinian mountains. The film is celebrated for its authentic portrayal of rural life and its stunning cinematography that captures the harsh beauty of Sardinia. Director Vittorio De Seta was renowned for his documentary-style approach and won acclaim with works like "Diary of a Sicilian Peasant," earning him recognition as one of Italy's great cinematic poets. The cast features non-professional actors such as Michele Cossu, whose natural performances add to the film?s realism. Radiance, known for their meticulous restorations and curated releases, brings classic world cinema to new audiences with exceptional quality and insightful bonus materials.