In an off-kilter Bucharest, people cheer even an inept army and police manhunt. Meanwhile, Mitou and Elena get to know each other in the course of a vodka drinking contest and discover they are both dissatisfied with the status quo. Mitou is about to begin military service, Elena is to be married to a fat old lecher. They decide they are meant for each other and plan on a different future, one that is on a collision course with the authorities.