In a rural hamlet in southwestern Korea in the 1950s, a boy, born in the year of the Tiger, works in the fields alongside his father and plays with his own handmade toys. Having just finished elementary school with no prospect of further schooling because of the poverty of his family, Charlie hungers for food and for knowledge. True to his tiger birth sign, he dares to leave his home penniless, in search of a better life for himself and for his family. His wanderings eventually lead him to America where he manages to earn his way through college, while supporting his starving family back in his hometown and later bringing them to America. His miraculous epic journey is truly inspirational.