Buenos Aires, 1955. One of a family of Sicilian immigrants, the adolescent Laura is on the threshold of adulthood. Her father Francesco Lojacono, is a humble tailor whose relationship with his daughter is one of extreme conflict. As Laura becomes increasingly emancipated in Argentinian (and therefore American) fashion, her father feels personally betrayed.

When Milanese salesman Piero witnesses the mob killing of a prominent magistrate, he testifies in court. The government puts him into the witness protection program, but the traumatic experiences he suffers leaves him wondering if he should have remained silent.