In 1977, a young Pole arrives in Strasbourg to meet his birth mother. Meanwhile, in Gdańsk, another man, Jan Bitner, discovers he was adopted.

Hans works at the immigration office, lives with his uncle and cousin Nina. Jan decides to find his mother and learn the truth about his background.

Hans ends things with Nina but can't stop thinking about her. Jan Bitner enlists a French journalist to help find his mother through the Red Cross.

Hans builds a career in politics. Jan learns his mother has died, but that her son still lives in Strasbourg. They share a birthday and a last name.