Tsai Ming-Liang`s first feature film stars, as all his other films do, Lee Kang-Sheng as Hsiao Kang, a disaffected student living with his parents in Taipei. Deciding to drop out of school to wander Taipei on his scooter, Hsiao Kang`s plans are changed when he finds his scooter impounded. Offered a ride by his father, who drives a taxi, Hsiao Kang crosses paths with Ah-tze and his friend Ah-ping, two petty criminals who happen to be with Hsiao`s brother`s girlfriend. When Ah-tze breaks a side mirror off Hsiao`s father`s taxi, Hsiao begins hanging around the delinquent as he plans his revenge.