In 1930s Italy, a charismatic and optimistic Jewish-Italian man named Guido falls in love with Dora, a gentle schoolteacher from a wealthy family. Despite challenges, he wins her heart through his wit, humor, and relentless spirit. They marry and have a son, Giosuè. As anti-Semitic laws intensify, their lives change drastically. Guido and Giosuè are taken to a concentration camp, and Dora, though not Jewish, voluntarily follows to be close to her family. Inside the camp, Guido uses his imagination to shield Giosuè from the horrors around them, convincing him they are part of a grand game where the winner earns a tank. His endless humor and creativity provide a protective shield for his son amid growing terror.

Daily life in the camp becomes a series of challenges as Guido continues his charade, maintaining his son’s innocence through playful deception and audacious bravery. Each encounter with guards and other prisoners pushes Guido to new heights of inventiveness, forging small pockets of hope and resilience. Amid the brutal regime and ever-present danger, Guido's unwavering determination transforms their grim reality into a surreal adventure, keeping Giosuè's spirit unbroken. Their touching bond and the relentless quest for survival stand as a testament to the human spirit's enduring capacity for love and courage.