Humiliated by a nightshop owner, a supposed alpha-male seeks retribution by robbing the store—with the reluctant help of his apathetic best friend.

Italy, 1948. Young Rocco is growing up in Calabria, until one day his father Salvatore decides to leave to Belgium, where he strives to earn a lot of money by working in coal mines. Very soon he sends for his family. Rocco becomes a migrant overnight, with all the consequences this entails. Rocco wants to be like other youngsters, become someone and have a purpose in life. Against his father’s wish and better judgment he seeks an escape through music and love.