The movie chronicles the intricate lives and relationships of Carlo and his family over decades, navigating through love, jealousy, political upheavals, and personal growth against the backdrop of historical events like World War I and II.

Second part (1916) Against the background of World War I, Carlo, at the age of ten, along with his three-years-younger brother Giulio and their cousin Enrico, engage in lively play and decide to steal half a lira from Giordani's overcoat, as he rushes to attend to their gravely ill grandfather.

Third part (1926) Carlo is attending university and giving private lessons to a high school student named Beatrice, who openly harbors affection for him.

In contrast, Carlo holds opposing views and, while avoiding active involvement in politics, symbolically abstains from joining the fascist party.

Fifth part (1946) Giulio returns from the war physically unharmed but suffering from severe depression, while news arrives that Enrico died in combat in Spain.

During dinner, Carlo, blinded by jealousy toward Adriana, engages in a confrontation with Jean-Luc, despite their shared ideologies; Beatrice's calming intervention diffuses the tension.

During a winter night marked by an unusual heavy snowfall in Rome, Carlo confides his love and respect for Beatrice to her, while in the adjacent room, Armando and Maddalena, newlyweds, already exhibit signs of discord.

The final scene bids farewell to Luisa, Margherita, and Susanna, who are all afflicted by dementia, spending their time in another room reciting opera librettos.

Seventh part (1966) Amid preparations for his son Carletto's eighth birthday celebration, Maddalena announces her intention to leave Armando for another man.