In post-WWII Poland, specifically the year 1949, a passionate trio of creative minds embark on a journey across the war-torn countryside. This group consists of the talented music composer and pianist Wiktor, the skilled dance choreographer Irena, and their pragmatic manager Kaczmarek. Their mission is to collect traditional folk songs and dances from rural communities. Despite Kaczmarek's skepticism regarding the commercial viability of these regional dialect songs, they persevere in their quest.
They record an array of captivating folk melodies and subsequently hold auditions in an abandoned palatial venue to form a vibrant folk dance group. It is during these auditions that Wiktor encounters Zula, who captivates him with her remarkable singing ability. As they progress, Wiktor learns of Zula's troubled past, including her time in prison due to a traumatic incident involving her father.
Fast forward to 1951, after a successful two-year rehearsal timeline, the dance ensemble presents a performance in Warsaw that receives an enthusiastic response. Following this triumph, Wiktor and Zula share an intimate moment in a restroom. However, the triumph is overshadowed when a government official demands a show lauding the communist regime, a request met with resistance from Irena, yet ultimately conceded by Kaczmarek. Both Wiktor and Irena express their distress over the situation.
Deciding to escape Poland for France, Wiktor arranges to meet Zula near a border crossing in East Berlin. Unfortunately, Zula has a change of heart and does not join him, leaving Wiktor to cross the border alone into West Berlin.
By 1954, Wiktor has established himself at a jazz bar named L'Eclipse in Paris when he receives a letter from Zula expressing her desire to meet. Their reunion is tinged with an emotional undercurrent as they share their feelings, and Zula reveals her insecurities about her art and ability to thrive in France.
In 1955, Wiktor travels to Yugoslavia to see Zula, where she is performing with her dance troupe. A chance encounter with Kaczmarek sets off a fateful turn when he informs the authorities about Wiktor, leading to his deportation back to France.
By 1957, Wiktor has shifted his focus to composing for films when Zula visits him at his studio. She confesses to having married an Italian to leave Poland, though her heart still lies with Wiktor. Their passionate affair resumes, despite Zula's jealousy toward Juliette, Wiktor’s former lover who complicates things further by writing songs for Zula to perform.
Amidst this tumultuous relationship, Zula struggles with her identity, leading to a disastrous night fueled by alcohol after confrontation with Juliette. Their relationship deteriorates as Wiktor finds out about Zula’s infidelity with Michel. Heartbroken, Zula returns to Poland, while Wiktor faces obstacles at the embassy when seeking to reunite with her, ultimately leading him to consider illegal means to cross the border.
In 1959, however, Wiktor is detained while attempting to re-enter Poland and faces a harsh 15-year sentence marked by brutal treatment that shatters his hands, making it impossible for him to play piano again. During a visit, Zula promises to secure his release by any means necessary.
The story takes an intriguing turn in 1964 when Wiktor is finally freed from prison, thanks to Zula's connections and a powerful minister's influence. Their love story culminates in a poignant wedding in a decrepit church. As their journey together seems to lead to despair, the film concludes ambiguously, leaving viewers to ponder whether Wiktor and Zula choose to take their lives by consuming tablets, a decision shrouded in uncertainty.
