1905. A travelling comedian has taught his young son, Michi, to find magic and humour in every corner of life. Years later, in times of war, Michi has become a bitter man, consumed by grudge. An unexpected incident and an encounter with Conchita, his childhood sweetheart, will help him to recover the fascinating view of the world instilled in him by his father.

A young insurance salesman takes advantage of the fact that a beautiful young woman he is attracted to is under house arrest, so cannot go anywhere to escape him.

War seen through the eyes of Serra, a university student from Palermo who volunteers in 1942 to fight in Africa. He is assigned to the Pavia Division on the southern line in Egypt. Rommel and the Axis forces are bogged down; it's October, the British prepare an offensive. At first, boredom, heat, hunger, and thirst bedevil the Italians; then the Brits attack, and there's no luck or heroism in death. Finally, it's retreat in confusion. Serra, his sergeant Rizzo, and his lieutenant Fiori take a last walk toward home. It's said that each soldier gets three miracles; when Serra's are used up, what then?