Italy during the latter days of Benito Mussolini's rule provides the background for this historical drama of divided loyalties during a time of war. Francesco (Michele Placido) is a police detective working in Rome as fascist Black Shirts hold sway over the nation. Francesco has been assigned to investigate the death of Costantina (Barbora Bobulova), a streetwalker who is believed to have been murdered while allied forces were bombing the city. As Francesco interviews those who knew Costantina, including her twin sister, he gains a new perspective on the bitter rivalry between Salo fascists and partisans loyal to Italy's pre-fascist heritage; Francesco also sees a bit of this conflict in his own home as his brother Ettore (Alessandro Preziosi) defends the partisans against the fascist leanings of his sister Lucia (Alina Nedelea). The Blood of the Victims (aka Il sangue dei vinti) proved controversial in Italy for its defense of fascism under Mussolini, portraying the majority of his supporters as patriots acting in support of their nation. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi