A small group of French students are studying Mao, trying to find out their position in the world and how to change the world to a Maoistic community using terrorism.
Two of the most radical student groups form the United Red Army (URA) and head into the mountains to conduct a training camp. Ideology devolves into despotism, and the URA's leaders begin to arbitrarily persecute their followers, a harrowing ordeal that culminates in violence and murder.
Balaraman, a lorry driver, hopes for a peaceful life when he settles down with his daughter in Chittazha. However, his violent past soon catches up with him and forces him to take drastic measures.
A wounded rebel from an underground insurgent group seeks refuge in a remote village, where guilt, suspicion, and the struggle for survival force him to confront his past and the consequences of violence.
Young Sung Neng Yee, who is brought as part of a wealthy Chinese family. She is eager to become part of Mao Tze Tung's "new society", but soon becomes disenchanted by the economic misery the changes bring to her family. Before long, the authorities become aware of Neng Yee's feelings and she is taken to a labour camp, overseen by the sadistic Colonel Cheng.