Jerzy Korcz

The story stretches from 1863 to 1945. Its main characters are representatives of the Pasternik family, who live in the fictional village of Wielowice near Pszczyna. The protagonist of the first three episodes is Franciszek Pasternik, the following parts tell about the fate of his many children and even more grandchildren. The viewer follows their history against the backdrop of great changes and historical events that influenced the lives of Silesian Poles. So there is the Kulturkampf, Prussian rugi, the revolution of 1905, World War I and the Silesian Uprisings.

During the USSR's rule over Poland, highlander Józef Placek and his family have to convince the government that his late mother is, in fact, alive. If successful, they will be able to pocket the gifts that have been issued to her for reaching the ripe old age of 100, thus inspiring his neighbor's, Kadela's, jealousy.

Henryk Matula has flashbacks to being imprisoned in Auschwitz after he gives a lift to an American tourist who wants to see it