The film takes place from October 1955 to February 1960. After their father’s death, the Parondi family—a peasant family headed by their mother, Rosaria—moved from Lucania to Milan, the “northern capital,” where their eldest son, Vincenzo, had already settled. Rosaria hopes that here, too, she will be able to secure a future for her other sons—Simone, Rocco, Ciro, and little Luca. However, her eldest son, Vincenzo, is planning to get married and, much to his mother’s anger, refuses to take responsibility for the family’s well-being. The Parondi family lives in a semi-basement, scraping by on odd jobs. Simone enrolls in a boxing school, where he shows clear progress. Rocco works as a delivery boy at a laundromat. The family’s financial situation gradually begins to improve. Simone, however, succumbing to the temptations of big-city life, becomes increasingly inclined toward parasitism and consumerism. After becoming infatuated with Nadia, a streetwalker, and getting involved with her, he steals money and gifts for her; suspecting something is amiss, Nadia decides to break up with him. Since Simone has jeopardized his boxing career by skipping training and breaking the rules, Coach Checchi suggests that Rocco try his hand in the ring. The coach’s hope that Rocco Parondi can replace his wayward brother is fully justified, but soon Rocco receives his draft notice…