On the coast of Cuba with an old fisherman named Santiago. 84 days ago he could not catch a fish even one. Both in the past. He is the best fisherman. He has friends, a boy named Manolin. His parents are looking for a new employer because they can not see an improvement from Santiago. However, he still did not surrender. He wants to prove himself again by sail to catch a big fish. While the needs of Manolin was to carry out learning experiences from the sea with Santiago.
One morning, Santiago had sailed from the shore alone.