This neo-realistic story documents the human need to surmount oppression and overcome injustices. As with most families in the small Sicilian village of Trezza, the Valastros are salaried fishermen who see their profits being swindled by the local fish wholesalers.

Wanting to help his family and the rest of the fishermen, eldest son Ntoni challenges the age old system and suggests buying a boat of their own, much to the disagreeance of his poor grandfather. Hatching a plan with his brother, Coca, they mortgage the family home to finance the purchase and the family enjoys a period of prosperity and happiness.

With bills to pay the Valastros must fish even in inclement weather and this triggers their downfall. Their boat badly damaged in a storm with no extra cash for its repair, the Valastros lose their only form of income and thus, soon after, lose the family home as well. Forced to sell the clothes off his back to feed his family, Ntoni must return to the system, and its unjust authorities, that he was confident of overcoming.