During the 20 months prior to Italy’s liberation from fascism, a group of college students decide to trade hollow rhetoric for action by journeying into the mountains of Nazi-occupied northern Italy. Amid the turmoil, group leader Gigi (Stefano Accorsi) becomes attracted to his best friend’s girl Simonetta (Stefania Montorsi). As the Resistance struggle continues, the students suffer pain and loss, some members of their group are killed, and the brutal reality of war leaves its mark on the idealistic students.