Ewa Cybulski and her sister Magda set out to New York from their native Poland seeking for the American dream. When they reach Ellis Island, Magda gets sick, leading the two women to be separated. Ewa is released onto the mean streets of Manhattan while her sister is quarantined. With nothing to protect herself and hopelessness to meet her sister again, Ewa is quickly tricked into Bruno's trap, a charming but devillish man who takes her in and forces her into prostitution. It is not until the appearance of Orlando - a blazing magician who is also Bruno's cousin in her miserable life, Ewa has the chance to rebuild her self-belief and hopes for a brighter future, and to fulfill her dream of reuniting with her sister.