A story about the life of reindeer emperor Mosku in Eastern Lapland at the beginning of the 20th century, when social conditions and the practice of traditional livelihoods are in transition. Mosku is involved in reindeer disputes and skirmishes and is also involved in the bandit hunt on the side of Soviet Russia led by Wallenius, the commander of the Lapland border guard.
Paavo and Eeva, two young people who have moved from the countryside to the city, meet a gang led by Kalle, who spend their time loitering and committing petty crimes. A fateful evening on a motorboat irrevocably changes the young people's lives.
A child who is the subject of a custody dispute flees from the social welfare authority from Tyräaho to Helsinki with Pekko. In the capital, the friends are helped by Pipsa, Pekko's crush, who joins them on a runaway trip. The press and the people of Tyräaho follow the trio's antics unflinchingly.
