Spurred on by the '60s and its radical ideals, boyhood friends Chris (Christian Bale) and Toni set their sights on a single goal -- escape Metroland and its suburban way of life. When they finally break free, Chris travels to Paris where he embarks on a torrid love affair with a French woman, and Toni sets off for the great unknown as he explores the world. Nine years pass before Toni returns home. And when he does, he discovers a shocking state of affairs -- Chris is happily married to Marion (Emily Watson) and living the life they once dreaded. Now Toni will try anything to free his friend from Metroland.