The farmers of northeastern Gaomi are anticipating the annual garlic harvest, but the bulbs will not be sold. The community refuses to take the garlic as usual: there is simply too much this year. Instead of the spicy, pungent aroma, a suffocating musty smell blankets the villages. The unprofitable and plainly misguided plans of the authorities threaten the livelihood of the population. In their unbridled anger, the farmers revolt against the ruthless and corrupt bureaucracy - with dramatic consequences.