The epic adventure of Christopher Columbus' (Gerard Depardieu) life of exploration and discovery of America. Columbus persuades Queen Isabel of Spain (Sigourney Weaver) to back his expedition to reach the East by sailing west in order to find a new trade route to Asia. His attempts to live in peace with the natives in the New World are sabotaged by his followers who seek to exploit the land and the native people. A powerful story of discovery and betrayal, in which Columbus ultimately ends his years in obscurity and poverty.