Hanoi of 1978, milkwood pine flowers in autumn, and the anxiety of idealistic youths navigating postwar life. A young couple struggle to be together as individual happiness gets in the way.
Hoài and Vận fall in love during the war against the French. Vận fought as a guerrilla and Vận ferried guerrillas across the river. When peace comes, Vietnam is divided in two across the Bến Hải River, leaving them separated.