Mima (Virginie Ledoyen), like her parents, was born in France. However, her family originated in Italy and is determined to remain true to its roots. This causes some mixed feelings in the girl, who feels at least as French as Italian. She has no questions however, about how much she loves her genial grandfather (Nina Manfredi). One of the highlights of her life is when he takes her to the movies to see Jean-Paul Belmondo pictures, and she remembers many of the stories he has told her. Mima is the only one who sees two men take her father away, but she keeps mum about it. All she or anyone knows is that he never returns after that. Her uncle feels duty bound to avenge his presumed death as a result of an old Mafia entanglement, and Mima is afraid she will lose him as well. Thus, it is with some relief that she encounters a friendly, sympathetic French policeman.