[1][2] The title is a pun which reflects the film's dramatic structure, linking the 1980 Quebec referendum (in which the "no" won) to Japanese Nō theatre.

During the Crisis, Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau instituted the War Measures Act, which resulted in martial law on the streets of Montreal.

The central character, Sophie (Anne-Marie Cadieux), is an actress working in Osaka (Japan) at Expo '70, while her boyfriend, Michel (Alexis Martin), is an FLQ sympathizer.

Sophie, who is unaware of the crises happening in Montreal, is upset by Michel apparently not wanting to talk to her, and isn't even sure if he is the father.

Meanwhile, she has to avoid the advances of fellow actor François-Xavier (Éric Bernier) and survive a dinner with Canadian ambassador Walter (Richard Fréchette) and his difficult wife Patricia (Marie Gignac).