The story takes place in Sicily shortly after the end of World War II. Salvatore Giuliano is a Sicilian patriot who dreams of giving land to peasants and feeding the poor. To this end, he organizes a gang in the mountains, which takes money and valuables from the state and rich landowners. However, Salvatore soon encounters the powerful Don Masino, who has other plans for him. Gradually, Giuliano finds himself drawn into political games that could seriously undermine his reputation among the common people.