Power, money and blood: these are the "values" that the residents of the Province of Caserta, between the cities of Aversa and Casal di Principe, have to face every day. They hardly ever have a choice, and are almost always forced to obey the rules of the "system", the Camorra. Only a lucky few can even think of leading a "normal" life. Five stories are woven together in this violent scenario, set in a cruel and apparently imaginary world, but one which is deeply rooted in reality. Don Ciro is "il sottomarino". He pays the families of the prisoners that are affiliated with his clan, a clan that has the undisputed command of the territory. He is sharp, discreet and carries out his job without getting involved. But at a certain point the clan begins to crumble. Unsure who to take orders from, he has to think of his own survival. Totò is 13 years old and can't wait to "grow-up". So he begins his training in the school of life, step after step, until one day he has to make a decision, an irreversible choice. Marco and Ciro think they are living in a film by Brian de Palma, but in the eyes of the "system" they are only two stray dogs whose acts of bravado are disturbing the routine of business. Roberto is a graduate and wants to work. Franco offers him a great opportunity, a steady job with good earning prospects: a job in the field of toxic waste management. But the job is too disturbing for Roberto's conscience. Pasquale is a talented tailor who works under the table for a small enterprise subcontracted by the high fashion clothes industries. Chinese competitors give him the opportunity to teach the secrets of his trade to their workers. He is seduced and gratified by the opportunity, accepts and puts his life in danger.