The film is set during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines between 1942 and 1944. It tells the story of Rosario, a young teacher promised to Crispin. Crispin leaves her to fight Japanese guerrillas. During his absence, a Japanese officer named Masugi rapes Rosario.
Masugi later returns to apologise to Rosario, offering her tinned food and rice, which she initially refuses. Matters are complicated when Rosario’s father is arrested by the Japanese and she reveals to Masugi that she is pregnant. She has to make a choice: accept Masugi’s proposal and become his wife (saving her father and ensuring a safe and stable life for her child) or reject him and the baby they have conceived together.
