1890. Yamamoto Kiyoki is a Japanese art student, dreaming of studying in Paris with the inspiring and vibrant Impressionist painters. His father, Yamamoto Ryusei is a lonely mask carver. Ryusei's art, carving intricate masks for traditional Japanese theatre. He expects his only son to honour the traditions of his family. But what is a father to do when his son s path is not what he had planned? And how can a son honour his father and yet fulfil his own destiny?