1975 - love and religiosity collide ... Martin and Maria get in each other's way on a New Zealand street crossing. They fall in love. He's 23. She's 17. Her Catholic family of academics, lawyers, doctors - and a priest - object. Martin's not a Catholic. Maria is not an obvious rebel. She is her school's top scholar, expected to be an example to all the girls. She observes her Church's laws and customs, attends Mass, recites her rosaries. Backed into a corner Maria defies her family and her Church's laws. The religious and judgmental attitudes of others serve to bind Martin and Maria closer....