IN early 1900s Auckland, Tane flees the law and family shame, taking a merchant ship to London. But he cannot escape the war sweeping Europe, and enlists in the army. He develops a relationships with another soldier than must stay hidden. In 1953, Briar is a dreamer whose behaviour sees him sent to a training farm to be 'turned into a man'. The plan backfires when his arrival awakens feelings in a fellow shearer. Tane, now an elderly foreman on the farm, recognises their connection for what it is. When the boys' relationship is exposed, Tane is confronted with a choice. He cannot change his past the perhaps he can help change the future.