Christopher Lambert stars in an operatic biography of the violent outlaw folk hero Salvatore Giuliano. A bandit, a patriot, and a real-life Robin Hood, Giuliano was the infamous bandit who, together with his ragtag band of guerrillas, attempted to liberate 1940s Sicily from Italian rule. Cimino tells the tale of an idealistic and deeply flawed man who employs increasingly excessive means to further his dream of achieving radical land distribution from the rich land owners to the peasants. The film features exceptional performances by John Turturro and Joss Ackland in supporting roles.