Life in Hong Kong through the turbulent years of the 1980's and 1990's. Sow first met Tung while stealing his wallet when she was a teenager. Years later, they meet again, and discover that both have been political activists, fighting for the rights of Chinese boat people. In the meantime, Sow has nursed a long time love for Yau, who begins as an activist and becomes a politician. Tung's inspiration comes from Marxist priest Kam, who stays true to his ideals throughout Hong Kong's changes. All four leftists are gradually disillusioned with life in Hong Kong, and this process is brought to a head with the Tianenmen Square massacre.