Belfast, 1972 a pace of division between the Protestant and Catholics as the streets are heavily watched over by the military, barbwire barricades block roads and taking a bus can often lead to being shot at. But despite this divide the Tomelty and McCullum families have remained friends, frequently heading to the local hill for a Sunday picnic together. But as the troubles increase it increases the strain on their friendship and even more so when Maureen Tomelty (Jenny Agutter) starts to date Reg Hogg (Anthony Andrews) a British Soldier.