Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Arrival and Investigation Setup
Magistrate De Francesco arrives in Trapani with his escort following recent assassinations. He begins probing the city's water supply and dam construction, uncovering early signs of corruption.
Key Events
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De Francesco Arrives in Trapani — Magistrate arrives with his escort following recent killings. Characters: Assistant Prosecuting Magistrate Michele de Francesco, Angelo Mandolesi, Andrea Corsale, Fabio Muzzi
Location: Trapani
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Water Supply Investigation Begins — Magistrate starts probing the city's water and dam construction. Characters: Assistant Prosecuting Magistrate Michele de Francesco, Angelo Mandolesi, Andrea Corsale
Location: Trapani City
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Discovery of Political Collusion — Dangerous links between mafia, politics, and law enforcement are uncovered. Characters: Assistant Prosecuting Magistrate Michele de Francesco
Location: Investigation Office
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Rizzo and Virzì Killings — Background killings of deputy prosecutor and marshal that trigger the investigation. Location: Sicily
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Dam Construction Plot Revealed — Investigation exposes the dam project as a front for illicit collusion. Characters: Assistant Prosecuting Magistrate Michele de Francesco
Location: Construction Site
Collusions and Internal Tensions
The investigation reveals dangerous links between the mafia, politicians, and law enforcement. Internal suspicion falls on Polizzi, while the escort members navigate daily threats and bonding.
Key Events
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Discovery of Political Collusion — Dangerous links between mafia, politics, and law enforcement are uncovered. Characters: Assistant Prosecuting Magistrate Michele de Francesco
Location: Investigation Office
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Well Closure Scandal Erupts — Decision to close wells causes public scandal and political backlash. Characters: Assistant Prosecuting Magistrate Michele de Francesco, Polizzi
Location: Trapani Public Square
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Polizzi Suspected as Mole — Internal tension rises as Polizzi is suspected of leaking information. Characters: Assistant Prosecuting Magistrate Michele de Francesco, Polizzi, Angelo Mandolesi
Location: Prosecutor's Office
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Angelo and Andrea Bond — Initial friction between escort leaders melts into intense friendship. Characters: Angelo Mandolesi, Andrea Corsale
Location: Escort Base
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Daily Odysseys and Threats — Exhausting phone checks and risky car journeys become routine under threat. Characters: Assistant Prosecuting Magistrate Michele de Francesco, Angelo Mandolesi, Andrea Corsale, Fabio Muzzi
Location: Trapani Streets
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Escort Powers Expanded — De Francesco grants the escort powers that bypass the Prosecutor's Office. Characters: Assistant Prosecuting Magistrate Michele de Francesco, Angelo Mandolesi, Andrea Corsale, Fabio Muzzi
Location: Magistrate Office
Violence and Loyalty Tested
A car bomb kills driver Raffaele but spares the magistrate's daughter. The mafia eliminates Bonura, and despite judicial silence, the escort remains fiercely loyal to their commander.
Key Events
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Daily Odysseys and Threats — Exhausting phone checks and risky car journeys become routine under threat. Characters: Assistant Prosecuting Magistrate Michele de Francesco, Angelo Mandolesi, Andrea Corsale, Fabio Muzzi
Location: Trapani Streets
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Judge's Daughter Arrives — Daughter arrives to celebrate her birthday with her father. Characters: Assistant Prosecuting Magistrate Michele de Francesco
Location: Trapani Airport
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Car Bomb Attack — A bomb detonates in the car carrying the daughter, miraculously sparing her. Characters: Assistant Prosecuting Magistrate Michele de Francesco
Location: Trapani Road
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Raffaele Dies in Attack — Driver Raffaele is killed while the daughter escapes unharmed. Characters: Assistant Prosecuting Magistrate Michele de Francesco
Location: Trapani Road
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Bonura Murdered by Mafia — Cosa Nostra kills Bonura due to overwhelming evidence against him. Location: Unknown Location
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Barresi Maintains Silence — Friend and colleague Barresi refuses to testify despite knowing the truth. Characters: Assistant Prosecuting Magistrate Michele de Francesco
Location: Judicial Building
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Escort Loyalty Tested — Despite anger and threats, the escort men vow to stay by the magistrate. Characters: Assistant Prosecuting Magistrate Michele de Francesco, Angelo Mandolesi, Andrea Corsale, Fabio Muzzi
Location: Escort Base
Judicial Betrayal and Departure
The judiciary orders De Francesco's transfer for overstepping duties. Forced to leave, the magistrate departs for the mainland, greeted by the unwavering loyalty of his escort.
Key Events
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Escort Loyalty Tested — Despite anger and threats, the escort men vow to stay by the magistrate. Characters: Assistant Prosecuting Magistrate Michele de Francesco, Angelo Mandolesi, Andrea Corsale, Fabio Muzzi
Location: Escort Base
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Fabio Abandons Transfer — Fabio gives up his long-awaited transfer to remain with the escort. Characters: Fabio Muzzi, Assistant Prosecuting Magistrate Michele de Francesco
Location: Military Office
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Judicial Transfer Order Issued — Magistrate is ordered transferred for overstepping duties and disturbing order. Characters: Assistant Prosecuting Magistrate Michele de Francesco
Location: Courtroom
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De Francesco Prepares Departure — Forced by events, the magistrate prepares to leave for the mainland. Characters: Assistant Prosecuting Magistrate Michele de Francesco, Angelo Mandolesi, Andrea Corsale, Fabio Muzzi
Location: Trapani Station
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Escort's Farewell Salute — The loyal escort men greet and see off their commander. Characters: Assistant Prosecuting Magistrate Michele de Francesco, Angelo Mandolesi, Andrea Corsale, Fabio Muzzi
Location: Trapani Station
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Public Order Disturbance — Magistrate's aggressive tactics are accused of offending judicial prestige. Characters: Assistant Prosecuting Magistrate Michele de Francesco, Polizzi
Location: Trapani Streets
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Mainland Departure — The magistrate leaves Sicily, escorted by his unwavering team. Characters: Assistant Prosecuting Magistrate Michele de Francesco, Angelo Mandolesi, Andrea Corsale, Fabio Muzzi
Location: Train Station
The film shows the difficulties of an honest, imperiled judge and his bodyguard of four men, trying to clean up a Sicilian town. Corrupt local politicians, working hand-in-hand with the Mafia, will stop at nothing to prevent exposure of their rackets.