It is an autobiographical fiction starring Ivens as an old man who has spent his life trying to "tame the wind and harness the sea" by capturing them on film.
Two young delinquents run away from a reformatory, across France with a front-wheel drive (Citroën) and live on thefts made here and there in a very crazy way...the police are on their heels, love for one of them is on their way, but so is the drama.
Jean Levêque has been unemployed for two years. His wife, Armelle, tries to support the family but her salary cannot cover all the expenses. Together with his wife and father-in-law, he imagines stealing a truck carrying used banknotes destined for destruction. With the help of a vehicle of the road service, they perpetuate their coup which succeeds perfectly
