13-year-old Gunther Strobbe grows up surrounded by alcohol, trash and his completely useless father and uncles. Slowly but surely, he's being prepared for the same hapless life. Can he defy his destiny?
Rosita is a cheerful woman with an eager desire to have children. Those around her think it is irresponsible because she can barely take care of herself. When Rosita does become pregnant, she decides to keep it a secret.
1985. Georges is a born market vendor. As a driven salesman he sells anything, anytime, to anyone. When he hears that the Pope is coming to Belgium, he smells his chance. In addition to the grounds, where tens of thousands of believers will attend an open-air mass, Café Derby is for rent. Georges is sure to earn a small fortune. But his wife and five children are not convinced. It would be another move in too short a time. But as George puts his mind to something...
The antiques shop Gerard owns should help him to get rid of his financial problems. He dreams of writing the most important Dutch novel ever. Unfortunately he spends money like water. As a result he is constantly broke. His sister Ingrid is married to Pierre. She wants a child but he refuses. While Gerard is willing to consider leading a normal life, a wish mainly expressed by his parents, Ingrid's marriage falls apart.
After traumatically killing his beloved wife, stylish young Nicolaas 'Nick' Driesen roughs it, squatting at night. He collects cash from his father and arranges false papers to emigrate to South America. Meanwhile he takes pity on grumpy, fat Makkus Van Berlere, who pretends being a former celebrated musical director until tremors wrecked his career. The lonely losers bond and keep evading two clumsy BOB agents (Belgian federal detectives), but can't escape Makkus's terminal cirrhosis.
