Historical adventure based on the life of Ioannis Varvakis. Before becoming a key figure in the Greek War of Independence, Varvakis (Sebastian Koch) lived as a pirate where he made his fortune in the transportation of caviar eggs. As his wealth grows, Varvakis becomes an acquantaince of royalty when he is employed by Catherine the Great of Russia (Catherine Deneuve). But despite his past adventures and the power he has acquired, Varvakis still does not feel content in his life's work and eventually returns to his homeland to fight in and fund the struggle against the Ottoman Empire.