The year is 1979 & Minliang, Ruijian & Chang Jun all work as part of the Peasant Culture Group, a theatrical troupe who perform works extolling the achievements of Chairman Mao. Everything begins to change when they are called together & told that state policy now requires them to incorporate Western elements into their performances & also to fend for themselves as a privately-owned outfit without state subsidy. Over the following decade, the personal & romantic problems within the group are played out against a backdrop of rapid cultural transformation, with the troupe
- now known as the All-Star Rock & Breakdance Band
- struggling to survive as they deal with the problem of ever-dwindling audiences.