The vastness of our planets oceans guards unimaginable secrets. One of its most precious is Kaluokahina, the enchanted reef whose magic protects it against humans finding it. Kaluokahinas colorful inhabitants have thus always lived in peace... until the volcano erupts, and the spell is broken.
The twelve-year-old Emil and his father are haunted by bad luck. To take a break from a series of family disasters, Emil is allowed to spend a few days with a friend of the family, the female priest Hummel in Berlin. In the train he runs across the slick Max Grundeis who anaesthetizes Emil and steals his savings of 1500 DM. When he finally arrives in Berlin, Emil and a gang of street kids, led by the cheeky girl Pony Hütchen, try to find the gangster, who haunts the posh Hotel Adlon as a hotel thief. Meanwhile, to prevent anyone from finding out about Emil's mishap, Gypsi, a member of the gang of kids, passes himself off as Emil, thus wreaking havoc on the home of the priest.
After living in a psychiatric hospital for many years, Winkler knows how to play by the rules. His behavior is perfectly adapted to the daily routine of occupational therapy, medication and boredom. Unlike his rebellious roommate Jan who was just committed to the hospital, Winkler has known for a long time that only the most inconspicuous patients eventually get a chance to be released. As Winkler’s annual evaluation draws near, all signs points to his imminent release. His doctor, as well as his friends in the ward, encourage him to prepare for his new freedom, but Winkler becomes increasingly aware that little awaits him in the outside world.
