Gregorio's father decides to leave his village to look for a better life in the city. After getting a job, he calls the rest of the family (Gregorio and his wife) but, soon after, he loses his job and falls ill. Homeless, the three are forced to take part in an
invasion of
Villa El Salvador where they settle. Soon after, their father dies, forcing Gregorio to
work on the streets as a
shoeshine boy. At first, he remains close to his mother; however, when she starts a new relationship with a neighbour, Gregorio feels betrayed and distances himself from her. He then joins a group of
street children who live together in an abandoned tram: Chollo, Tachuela, Retacito and Gitano, who work as
street performers while committing
thefts. In their company, Gregorio ventures into the criminal side of street life. == Awards ==