Nick (Robert DeNiro), a veteran thief, successfully completed the client's task and returned to his residence, but at the handover, the client Max (Marlon Brando) brought him two pieces of news, one good and one bad: the bad news was that the buyer died and Nick could not ship the goods; the good news was that there was a big business of 4 million waiting for him - Nick needed to steal the king's coronation scepter from the basement of the customs building. Nick, who was preparing to marry his girlfriend, did not want to get involved in theft again, but Max's partner, Jack (Edward Norton), a young man who pretended to be mentally retarded and broke into the customs, was persistent in this business. Jack finally impressed Nick and formed a duo with him to steal the scepter. Jack completed the preparations with his excellent quick wit. Nick was strict with this sharp young man, but he also secretly praised him. On the night of the action, the two sneaked into the customs, but the development of things was unexpected...