Warsaw, 1937. Moyshe Bernsztajn, a poor Jewish boy, meets his idol, the gangster and boxer Jakub Szapiro. This meeting will change Moyshe's life forever.
Jakub prepares for the most critical boxing match of his life against opponent Andrzej Ziembinski. Szapiro wins. Kaplica's gang celebrates the victory in the brothel run by Ryfka Kij, Jakub's former lover.
Moryc Szapiro, Jakub's brother, is beaten up at the University of Warsaw. Jakub wants to take revenge on his attackers. Moryc forbids him from doing so. He just wants to get his degree and leave for Palestine.
A demonstration of workers led by Kaplica clashes with nationalists led by Zwirski. Buddy is arrested, and Szapiro and Moyshe call on Buddy's friend who orders the release of the gangster king.
Radziwilek's provocation succeeds. Warsaw is boiling with rage after the murder of a veteran. Buddy Kaplica's gang is in danger. Zwirski's nationalists attack Kaplica's gang and organise an anti-Semitic pogrom.
Change is coming to Buddy Kaplica's gang. Szapiro plans to outsmart the self-proclaimed king of Warsaw. Jakub agrees to cooperate with Anna Ziembinska.
Shapiro thwarts Koc and Zwirski's plan. The grateful Prime Minister Sktadkowski releases Buddy. A tragedy occurs in the Ziembinski family. Andrzej blames Szapiro and swears to take revenge.
Members of the divided Kaplica's gang turn against each. Szapiro realises that he is in love with Anna. Jakub confronts his arch-enemy and Anna's brother, Andrzej Ziembinski.
