In search of a political stance, three young people go through a difficult process of self-examination that leads them to the boundaries of social legality and of their own personality.
It is clear to them all that the goods of this world are unfairly distributed; what is not so obvious is how to alter this. Friends Jan and Peter have found their own way: at night they break into villas, not to steal, but to turn things upside down. The messages they leave behind them read, "The years of plenty are past" or "You've got too much money" and are signed "The guardians".
Julia, still together with Peter, and Jan fall in love with each other. Carried away by their feelings, they both break into a villa where they are surprised by the owner. They are not prepared for this and inadvertently become kidnappers.