Is the new Netflix series based on a true story?

Recent in the Netflix catalog, a new series stands out as one of the most watched by Brazilians on streaming: ‘Na Rota do Ouro’. Italian, the production is set in 19th century Italy, in its post-unification period, the Risorgimento.

“After stealing a valuable map, Filomena embarks on an adventure with a group of bandits and a bounty hunter to free her people and herself”, describes the synopsis.

Co-written and co-directed by Antonio Le Fossethe series transports us to an epic historical saga, withadventure, action and even rebellions and political confusion.

The main character in ‘Na Rota do Ouro’, who we constantly follow, is Filomena (Interpreted by Michela De Rossi), who decides to leave her entire life behind, as well as her abusive husband, to fight in search of the gold that she believes belongs to the South. Thus, she allies herself with a group of bandits and finds herself in a fight for freedomnow against an apathetic and cruel regime.

As it is a period story, many may question: is ‘On the Gold Route’ inspired by real events? Understand!

Context

Although the new Netflix series essentially tells a fictional story, many of its elements relate to important historical events and figures in the post-unification period of Italywhich took place in the 19th century. At that time, criminals became famous, and some ended up inspiring the characters in the series.

First, it is necessary to understand that before Italy was reunified, it was divided into several independent states and territories, many governed by foreign powers or local rulers.

Then, in the 19th century, the movement of Risorgimentoin which figures like Giuseppe Garibaldi and the Count Camillo di Cavour stood out in trying to unite these regions into a single, unified nation-state.

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However, as highlighted by the website The Cinemaholic, shortly after reunification, the new Kingdom of Italy dealt with challenges, such as political instability, economic difficulties and social unrest.

This is because, with reunification, many regions and communities — especially around southern Italy — were marginalized and deprived of their rights, which resulted in great discontent and resistance in these areas.

It was in this context, with great resistance to the government, that many bandits emerged in the southern region of Italy, even becoming famous and becoming symbols of political resistance and independence.

As seen in the series, a guerrilla battle began to be fought between these bandits and kingdom forces.

Like this, it wasn’t that difficult for someone to be considered a criminalwhether those who carried out petty thefts, or those who organized resistance movements demanding political or social changes.

Banditry

For its characters, ‘On the Gold Route’ is inspired by legends and stories of bandits, men and women, who became famous in the post-Italian unification era. A notable example, which served as a reference, is the story of Pietro Monaco and your wife, Maria Oliverio (or Ciccilla).

Initially an officer in the Bourbon army, Pietro Monaco He abandoned his position and began to get involved in “banditry” after witnessing, for himself, the corruption of landowners in the region. Already Maria Oliverio joined the gang Pietro while they operated in Calabria.

Driven by feelings of injustice and yearning for revenge, this gang of bandits began attacking wealthy landowners, as well as merchants and other government officials, committing crimes such as theft of valuable objects and kidnappings in order to obtain a ransom amount. According to legends, even Maria Oliverio achieved prominence, leading many of the operations.

Now, in ‘On the Gold Route’, we can follow the deeds not only of the main characters, but also of the entire gang, inspired by other relevant names from this period in Italian history. The series has six episodes, and is now available on Netflix.