A seventeen yr old Laurent finds himself in a school for war heroes children. His french teacher is also his missing WW2 fighter pilot father.
In 19th century, a disillusioned priest helps a young boy drifter who's a chess wunderkind to move on up in life and social structures using his talent. Years later, he's a success, but game of life and love has higher stakes than chess.
During a family reunion in 2000, guests decide to read out laud their "where i see myself in 10 years" wish lists which they wrote down during their 1990 family reunion.