Ethan, a magician rendered paralyzed in an accident, sets off a furor when he makes a petition to the court to end his own life.

A former high-school football star loses his shot at a college scholarship due to a devastating gridiron injury, but gets a second chance at living his dream.

The Mesquiteers capture a horse thief who escapes justice through a crooked judge. They gather signatures urging the governor to investigate but a friend with the petition is murdered. Stony is accused.

Born in Beijing tells the story of 'petitioners': citizens who feel themselves wrongfully treated by the local authorities and seek settlement in the capital. There are thought to be more than 100,000 petitioners in Beijing. These people, harassed by 'interceptors', brave terrible conditions in their battle against injustice and corruption.