A Stark Look at Life’s Unyielding Forces

Read Time:4 Minute, 3 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Bandits Of Orgosolo [Limited Edition] (Banditi a Orgosolo)
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 1961, 2024 Radiance Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 35m
Director(s): Vittorio De Seta
Writer(s): Vera Gherarducci, Vittorio De Seta
Cast: Michele Cossu, Peppeddu Cuccu, Vittorina Pisano
Where To Watch: available June 25, 2024; pre-order here UK www.radiancefilms.co.uk or US www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Vittorio De Seta's debut feature, BANDITS OF ORGOSOLO, shifts from his documentary roots into a narrative film that captures the rugged life in Sardinia. Through the story of Michele, a shepherd burdened by false accusations, De Seta presents a layered exploration of personal plight entangled with broader issues, all set against the starkly beautiful Sardinian landscape. The portrayal of Michele’s transformation from a pastoral existence to a fugitive on the run is handled with a gripping realism that sets this film apart.

BANDITS OF ORGOSOLO opens with sweeping shots of Sardinia, immediately setting the stage for a story rooted in authenticity and raw human emotion. Director Vittorio De Seta transports viewers into a world where the line between fiction and reality is as blurred as the rugged horizons of the Barbagia region. We meet Michele, whose life spirals into chaos following an unjust accusation, leading him on a desperate path that challenges our perceptions of innocence and justice.

The casting of real-life shepherds adds an unparalleled depth to the storytelling, with their genuine visions enriching the film’s texture. This blend of documentary style with narrative filmmaking results in a portrayal that is as sincere as it is cinematic. As Michele ventures deeper into the wilderness, De Seta’s choice of black-and-white film accentuates the harshness of the terrain and the severity of Michele’s circumstances, making the environment an almost character in this poignant drama.

De Seta's methodical direction ensures that every frame is charged with intention, capturing the expansive landscapes that isolate Michele and magnify his plight. Valentino Bucci's haunting sound design and Jolanda Benvenuti’s precise editing match the visual storytelling, creating an immersive experience that is visually and emotionally captivating.

The script, co-penned by De Seta and Vera Gherarducci, navigates through simplicity yet delivers a powerful punch, tackling themes of injustice and survival. It probes the unyielding forces of nature and society, drawing parallels to the unforgiving mountains surrounding the film, and offers commentary on how these elements shape human destinies.

BANDITS OF ORGOSOLO is a profound reflection on society's margins, showcasing the indomitable resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Recognized at the Venice Film Festival, this film is a testament to De Seta’s skillful blending of cinematic techniques with real-world issues, delivering a narrative that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences.

BANDITS OF ORGOSOLO is a powerful exploration of human resilience, masterfully captured through De Seta’s empathetic and artistic lens. This film goes beyond mere storytelling to offer a vivid glimpse into the struggles of those cast aside by society, portrayed with a stark, moving, and enlightening realism. BANDITS OF ORGOSOLO is a pivotal piece of Italian cinema and a significant cultural commentary that echoes the enduring themes of hardship and survival.

Bonus Materials
New 4K restoration from the original camera negative by The Film Foundation and Cineteca di Bologna at L’Immagine Ritrovata laboratory, in association with Titanus with funding provided by the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation
Uncompressed mono PCM audio
New interview with cinematographer Luciano Tovoli (2024, 28 mins)
New interview with curator and filmmaker Ehsan Khoshbakht (2024, 11 mins)
Trailer
Optional English subtitles
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Filippo Di Battista
Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by Roberto Curti

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[photo courtesy of RADIANCE FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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