During the mid-60’s, a young Englishman named Jude (Jim Sturgess) journeys to America to find his father. After locating him, Jude also makes friends with siblings Max (Joe Anderson) and Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood). After deciding to ditch college, Max heads to New York City with Jude. They find jobs and share a building with artist-types. Lucy visits for the summer. She has graduated high school, her boyfriend has died in Vietnam, and she brings a draft letter for Max. Jude and Lucy grow close as Max prepares for Vietnam. After Max leaves, Lucy is distraught. She joins an anti-war effort. Her obsession with the group creates a jealousy in Jude. This strain grows until Lucy leaves him. When Jude sees her at a protest later on, she is being arrested. Attempting to help her, he is arrested and deported. After a firefight in Vietnam, Max returns wounded, physically and mentally. Meanwhile Lucy sinks deeper into her anti-war group, eventually discovering they are making bombs. When an explosion occurs at the group’s headquarters,lives are left in question. The story ends with a song, as to sad or exultant is left for viewers to learn.