In 80s Albania, the head of a village is very near retirement. He has many accomplishments but feels somewhat spiritually "bureaucratized" so wants his successor to be similar to him in character and principles. But in the assembly gathering another proposal is put forth, foiling the village head's plans entirely.
To meet the desires and needs of the parents, a marriage is arranged between 14-year-old Gjino and 20-year-old Marigo. Gjino reluctantly obeys, but Marigo, who loves another, tries various devious methods to free herself from this bizarre marriage agreement.
The year is 1941, World War II is going on. Vaso returns to his village, helping the revolt of the villagers against the enemy. Marko, his brother, wants to get revenge against the people who took his fiancée. This revenge becomes part of the overall revolt.