Michael Kohlhaas is a wealthy horse dealer living in the mountainous Cévennes region of France in the 16th century. He leads a happy and prosperous family life with his wife and children until he travels to a nearby village to sell horses and is treated unjustly by a nobleman named Baron de La Trivulce. The Baron confiscates two of Kohlhaas' horses and beats him severely when Kohlhaas protests. Kohlhaas seeks justice through legal means, but the corrupt local authorities refuse to help him.
Enraged by the injustice, Kohlhaas raises an army of fellow peasants and farmers to fight against the nobility and their oppressive system. He begins by attacking the Baron's castle and burning his fields, but his army soon grows larger and more powerful. The rebellion spreads across the region as other peasants join Kohlhaas' cause, seeking to overthrow the feudal system that has kept them oppressed for centuries.
Despite being outnumbered and outgunned by the nobility's armies, Kohlhaas and his followers fight bravely for their rights and for justice. The struggle between Kohlhaas and the Baron becomes a legend, and both sides suffer numerous casualties. In the end, Kohlhaas is captured and brought to trial, where he faces execution for his rebellion. His trial becomes a spectacle, with both sides presenting their arguments to the judge and jury.
Despite his eventual execution, Kohlhaas' rebellion has a lasting impact on the region. His cause for justice and his fight against oppression become a symbol for future generations to follow. The Legend of Michael Kohlhaas is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of justice, oppression, and rebellion, showcasing the power of ordinary people to fight for their rights and their freedom.