This classic of gay cinema traces the violent coming-of-age of a 13-year-old street hustler on the streets of Copenhagen. Alienated from his dysfunctional family, Nick (Christian Tafdrup) hits the streets, making the acquaintance of closeted astronomy professor Ralph, with whom he shares an interest in the stars. The two spend a few happy days together before Ralph's girlfriend returns from vacation. An embittered Nick joins up with a violent group of hustlers who make a living ripping off their customers. There he finds love with the only female member, Renee (Benedicte Madsen), who masquerades as a boy. Eventually, Ralph has second thoughts about his decision, Renee gets jealous, and Nick has to make some important decisions, in a gritty, haunting tale of love won and lost, with stops at all the places in between.