Increasingly confrontational political protest is building up to a deadly climax in the
humid night of the city, while Jack Wilson is drowning his sorrows in drink. His
idealistic brother, meanwhile, gets caught up in the passion of the movement.
A restless dreamer and newly married, Jack has moved to a bustling Asian metropolis in search of life's purpose. The marriage doesn't survive, and Jack soon finds himself with a job he hates and an alcohol-fuelled lifestyle.
His brother, Doug, conscientious and with a clear sense of direction, follows to teach English at a local university. Deeply engaged in politics and social justice, he gets involved in the students' fight for democracy - except he doesn't expect things to take the turn they do.
In the background the brothers' family back home has been gradually disintegrating, as tragedy, infidelity and ageing take their toll.
Now the brothers have to make decisions that will determine their futures.