Turin 1993. The architect Agnese is called to the home for war veterans where her ailing father lives. The doctor at the home has left his guest, a Bosnian refugee, on night duty with her father. The commanding officer of the veterans home, a colonel, has discovered the undocumented refugee, Reuf, and has had him arrested. Agnese, who would rather not get involved with refugees, becomes better acquainted with Reuf and is drawn into events which eventually take her to Bosnia. On this journey, she begins to recall her childhood directly after WWII. Experiences made during the two wars converge and the wheel of history turns, without failing to leave its mark.

Hit man Antonio Mancuso travels to Italy to make the big time. He meets and befriends Mafia boss Don Vincenzo. Mancurso becomes part of the organization and the more he gets to know Vincenzo the more he wants his job but Mancurso will learn that success can come at a severe cost.

Renato Tuzzi, a primary school teacher, is a shy man, unable to be respected by the turbulent kids.

Carmen, wife of a certain Vincenzo detained for theft, chooses Antonio as a friend. When the husband is released from prison, he accepts the relationship in progress and continues to use the woman in his shady businesses.