Romeo, a young boy from the Alpine region of Italian Switzerland, signs a contract with a shady figure to cover the cost of his sick father’s doctor. The doctor takes Romeo over the mountains to Milan, where he is sold as a chimney sweep’s assistant. This begins a harsh journey marked by abuse and violence, during which Romeo forms deep bonds with other child chimney sweeps. Together they create a fraternity called “The Black Brothers,” a brotherhood that looks after each other whenever need arises.