In search of purpose, 17-year-old Claudio helps easygoing mechanic Stefano build a car capable of winning a street race that could solve his financial problems, but gets himself involved with the latter's former girlfriend.

In Naples during the viceroyalty, Masaniello, a Neapolitan fishmonger, leads a popular uprising against Duke D'Arcos. The riots last just ten days, from July 7 to 16, 1647. The people, oppressed by the nobles and exorbitant taxes, find in Masaniello a way to make their voices heard.