FORZA DI L'ESSE
"Forza Di L’esse", based on the book "The Rebel" by Jean Guazelli, depicts the tragic love story between Ornella and Hyacinthe- two of the leaders of the rebellion during the French occupation of Corsica in the 18th century.
The year is 1785. It has now been 16 years since the French began their occupation of Corsica. And it will be four years before the French Revolution will send shockwaves throughout Europe.
Ornella, the mayor’s daughter, and her childhood friend Hyacinthe, a young shepherd, fall in love despite her father’s wishes for her to marry into a higher status.
The French Lieutenant Arnaud de la Lieusade is assigned to restore order to a restless Corsican island. Accompanied by his sister, Hortense, Arnaud crosses paths with Ornella, and is taken by her spirited beauty. He sets his heart on possessing her. Hortense, who is tired of her brother’s controlling ways, sees this potential union as an opportunity to shift her brother’s smothering attentions to another woman—in effect, gaining her own freedom. So Hortense and her suitor, Giordano, an ambitious local tax collector, commit themselves to realizing Arnaud’s desire for the Corsican Ornella.
Will the labyrinthine games of aristocracy and political intrigue defeat Ornella and Hyacinthe’s love? Or will they find the strength together to fulfill their destiny?