Fred Schepisi writes and directs this Australian drama set during the early 20th century. Jimmie Blacksmith (Tommy Lewis) is a mixed-race Australian Aborigine whose childhood is torn between his aboriginal roots and his upbringing by Methodist minister Rev. Neville (Jack Thompson). As he gains employment building fences Jimmie finds himself being mistreated and underpaid by his blatantly racist employer and when he finds employment elsewhere Jimmie faces similar problems despite his strong work ethic. Following an affair with Gilda (Angela Punch-McGregor), a white servant girl, the pair decide to get married when she becomes pregnant. However, the arrival of his aboriginal brother Mort (Freddy Reynolds) and uncle Tadigi (Steve Dodds) brings pressure from his employer, who doesn't want the men on his land, and soon Jimmie decides to retaliate as he is finally pushed over the edge.