Hans is the name of the film's driving force and central character, an arrogant and fascinating firebrand who meddles in other people's lives with great energy. His son Jesper can only escape him by getting drunk. This is not a smart move when you are a firefighter at the station where your gruff father is the boss. Jesper is kicked out of his job and his home. Shortly afterwards, the only person who loves Hans patiently and unconditionally dies: his mother, whom he calls the Angel. Hans is guilty, he falls apart, tries to kill himself, but ends up blind – and alone.