Luka, a Serbian engineer from Belgrade, has settled in a village in the middle of nowhere with his wife, Jadranka, an opera singer, and their son Milos. He plans to build a scenic railway that will transform the region into a top tourist attraction.
Focused on his project, and blinded by his natural optimism, he remains deaf to the rumors of war that become increasingly persistent.
His life is turned upside down when conflict breaks out. Jadranka runs off with a musician and Milos is called up for service.
Ever the eternal optimist, Luka waits for his wife and son to return, but Jadranka doesn’t come back, Milos is made a prisoner and the Serbian military oblige Luka to keep guard of Sabaha, a Muslim hostage.
He quickly He quickly falls in love with the young woman, who was initially being held captive so as to be exchanged for his son.