The protagonist of the movie "The Gadfly", Bullfly (real name Arthur), was initially deceived by the church due to his naivety and ignorance. Even his lover, Gemma, broke off relations with him because of a misunderstanding. Later, he matured into a revolutionary. When Gemma met Bullfly again after thirteen years, she vaguely recognized him as the former Arthur, and they fought side by side. Unfortunately, Bullfly was captured and sacrificed. A version of this movie was once screened in China during a certain era and was adapted from the eponymous novel by Irish writer Ethel Voynich, leaving an indelible impact on an entire generation of Chinese audiences.
Set in Italy during the 1800s, the film depicts the journey of Arthur, a young bourgeois revolutionary, from naivety to maturity. He shared a close relationship with Father Montanini from the seminary, akin to that of father and son. However, through a series of events and the betrayal of comrades, Arthur gradually realized the hypocrisy and evil of religion. Upon discovering that his biological father was actually Father Montanini, he was filled with resentment and pain, deciding to leave.
Years later, the Italian freedom revolution movement gained momentum. A revolutionary leader known only by the codename "Bullfly" frequently appeared unexpectedly to rescue suffering or captured revolutionary comrades. This man was the former Arthur. Unfortunately, Bullfly was betrayed by a traitor and captured. In prison, he was reunited with his biological father, Father Montanini, and urged him to join the revolution, but was refused. Bullfly met his heroic demise.