A young migrant wants to learn how to converse in German. The teacher he gets in touch with uses a peculiar new method. As the lessons progress, the student starts to feel more and more committed.

Mathieu, a piano virtuoso, goes home to help his brother Paul to take care of their sick mother. Paul is into reenacting old battles, dressing up and getting into character, even dueling if necessary. Mathieu gets involved in this world and play becomes real.