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07/06/2024
15+
In the mid-19th century, while revolution rears its head again in France, a young woman is rallying the people of southern Italy against the Redshirts, who have recently unified Italy, under the leadership of the Piedmontese. Her name is Michelina de Cesare.
Born into a family of “ciociari,” a group of peasants regarded as outlaws, Michelina was forced into marrying a local landowner called Rocco Tanga, who abused her. When he died, she vowed never again to be ruled by a man. As opposition grows to the iniquitous taxes imposed on the people of the south by the Piedmontese army, Michelina, supported by her lover Francesco Guerra, decides to rally local families to resist their oppression. Already well aware of the power of imagery, she has herself photographed in traditional costume, leaning on a rifle—a photo, often hidden inside a bible, that will serve to identify her supporters. But her guerilla war will cause General Pallavicini to “cry havoc” in his determination to track Michelina down and punish her.
