Li chiamarono… briganti!

Carmine Crocco, an outlaw from Rionero in Vulture, is driven into bandit life after he kills a man who harassed his sister. This act marks the beginning of his long, ruthless career on the fringes of Basilicata. His origins forge the personal motivation that fuels his later resistance.

Crocco joins Garibaldi's campaign against the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies hoping for a pardon promised by the Savoy government in exchange for service. The promise is not kept, and Crocco is arrested as a result.

He is released with help from the local clergy. Disappointed by the unfulfilled promise of clemency, he is persuaded by Don Pietro to become the leader of a resistance against Victor Emmanuel II, with promises of money and weapons.

Crocco takes command of the resistance, aligning with the Bourbon side and forming an army composed mainly of the poor. He becomes a regional leader in the fight against the new Italian state.

The brigand army conquers the Vulture region in the name of King Francis II, winning the support of the local population. The success solidifies Crocco's hold and broadens the rebellion.

General Enrico Cialdini is tasked with suppressing the rebellion; the repression is brutal, with executions and mass killings of brigands and those who aid them, and the confiscation of basic necessities.

The Bourbon government in exile sends Spanish General José Borjes to Basilicata to reinforce and discipline the bands. Crocco does not trust Borjes from the start because he fears losing leadership, but he accepts the alliance.

With Borjes, Crocco scores a few victories and temporarily strengthens his position. The alliance brings tactical gains, even as Crocco remains wary of foreign leadership.

Crocco abandons the alliance with Borjes because he does not want to serve under a foreign commander. He reasserts his leadership over the rebellion.

Crocco's lieutenant Caruso betrays him, revealing the brigands' hideouts to the authorities in hopes of clemency. The betrayal exposes safe havens and triggers a crackdown on the rebels.

Following the betrayal, Crocco's army suffers heavy casualties; many of his men are captured and executed by firing squad. The rebellion is driven to the brink of collapse as morale and resources dwindle.

With a losing fight ahead, Crocco's only option is to escape and vanish into the mountains to save himself. The pursuit intensifies as the state presses its advantage.