In the middle of the 16th century, Lisbon was a cosmopolitan city, powerful as a consequence of the expansion, a power that began to collapse whilst the rigidity of an increasingly overbearing Inquisition was installed. Bela is a young man, adopted by a wealthy couple of French-Portuguese merchants. He crosses paths with Rosa, the love of his life, and Jacques, a friend of his adopted parents. Bela tries to find his place, but a succession of uncontrollable events lead to disaster.

Presented at the Rotterdam International Film Festival.