Seven months into democracy, 17-year-old high school student Juan García García, aka "el Johnny" (Armando Araiza), joins a gang of small-time criminals, including members such as "el Loco," to carry out a robbery at a video store that is a front for money laundering.

The group quickly realizes that the money is kept in an office locked by Don Alfonso (Luis Gnecco) and his secretary/lover, Gloria (Patricia Rivera).

Although the plan is perfect, the gang is forced to take the video store occupants hostage when they spot the police approaching.

The robbery quickly turns into a hostage situation, and the group is identified on television when some journalists find Johnny's identification card.

The Chilean police (Carabineros) become involved in the operation to sway public opinion and to prevent the government from being implicated in any deaths or injuries resulting from this criminal act.