It is a three-part narrative following selected critical periods in the life of a man and his country, from a time war, to when he falls in love and ends as a hermit monk.

Kosta is saved when a snake he has been feeding milk attacks him on the road long enough to delay his arrival in the camp.

Kosta wants to commit suicide and join her, but he is stopped by a shepherd who tells him to stay alive so that the memory of their love will live on with him.

The movie was selected to compete for the Golden Lion at the 73rd Venice International Film Festival.

[2] Kusturica won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival twice for his When Father Was Away on Business and Underground.