Based on an autobiographical novella by Ivan Olbracht, the film tells the story of Hanele Safarová, who grows up just after the First World War in a little Ruthenian schtetl which, in true Hassidic fashion, awaits the arrival of the Messiah. But Hanele decides to follow the Zionists instead. She moves to the city to prepare for her departure to the Promised Land, where she meets a successful businessman named Ivo Karadzic, who has renounced Judaism to become a free-thinker. Their love for each other doesn’t only drive Hanele’s parents to distraction, it also threatens to destroy the entire community in the schetl.

King Henry disapproves of the love between his daughter Doubravka and Thomas, the gardener and son of a friend who died for him in battle. He is convinced that Thomas cannot take over the kingdom because he is not of noble birth and, moreover, is too kind-hearted. And a ruler must be tough. The noble Prince Arthur of Nebesníže, who can also talk to echoes, would be a more suitable groom. Tomáš and the princess defend their love and each in their own way defy the king's will. Tomáš fights the prince of Nebesníže with echoes, and Doubravka runs away from the castle. If it weren't for the good flower fairy from the castle greenhouse, Anna's nanny, and the old gamekeeper, who knows how their young love would have ended.