Wiesław Kańtoch

Katowice, the night of December 12-13, 1981. Military units occupy strategic points in the city. A group of Zomovniks, smashing union security, drags the chairman of the Company Commission of the NSZZ Solidarity in the Wujek mine out of his apartment. The news quickly spreads to the miners. Initially surprised, they soon react with spontaneous protest. On December 14, a strike breaks out at the plant. The miners demand the lifting of martial law and the release of the chairman. When negotiations fail, the army, ZOMO and militia storm the mine.

Customs officer Andrzej Lechicki is arrested on charges of smuggling antiques. The defense of the accused is undertaken by attorney Sokor.

The miner leaves the mine and tries to start a new life.

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.