Watch Banditi a Orgosolo

Banditi a Orgosolo is a Italian drama film released in 1961, directed by Vittorio De Seta. Set in a rural village called Orgosolo, located in the mountains of Barbagia in Sardinia, the movie explores the lives of shepherds and the harsh realities of their daily existence. The film opens with a beautiful shot of a flock of sheep grazing in the peaceful Sardinian countryside. This beautiful imagery is quickly contrasted by the sound of gunshots ringing out, indicating that the peace of the region is constantly threatened by the presence of bandits who roam the hillsides, stealing from the rich and poor alike. The story revolves around one such bandit, Michele (Michele Cossu), who is forced to flee from the police after killing a man in self-defense. He seeks refuge in the wilderness and finds shelter with a young shepherd named Grazia (Vittorina Pisano). Grazia gives him food and shelter, and soon they become close friends.

As Michele continues to evade the police, Grazia's relationship with him deepens, and she helps him gather food and supplies. Meanwhile, Michele's former girlfriend, who is also a member of his gang, arrives in Orgosolo to search for him. She tries to convince him to leave with her, but Michele is tired of a life of violence and refuses to go.

As the story progresses, we see the hardships that the shepherds face in their daily lives, including the threat of bandits, harsh weather conditions, and the loneliness of life in the mountains. There are several tender moments between Michele and Grazia, and we see how their bond grows stronger despite the challenges they face.

The film's director, Vittorio De Seta, is known for his neo-realist style and for capturing the beauty of rural Italy on film. Banditi a Orgosolo is no exception, and the cinematography is stunning throughout. The film is shot entirely on location in Sardinia, and the mountainous landscape of the region is a central character in the film. The use of natural lighting and the mix of handheld and fixed camera shots gives the movie a documentary-like feel, adding to the realism of the story.

The dialogue in the film is in Sardinian dialect, which adds to the authenticity of the story. This also makes it challenging for non-Italian viewers to follow the dialogue, but the film's strength lies in its visual storytelling. The absence of a musical score also adds to the authenticity of the film.

Banditi a Orgosolo is a slow-paced film that takes its time developing characters and exploring the setting. The film's climax is intense, and the tension builds as the police close in on Michele. The final shot is both beautiful and tragic, leaving the viewer with a sense of longing for what could have been.

Overall, Banditi a Orgosolo is an excellent example of Italian neorealism and a must-see for anyone interested in classic cinema. The film explores themes of love, friendship, and hardship, and its stunning cinematography captures the beauty and harshness of rural Sardinia.

Banditi a Orgosolo is a 1960 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.