In the near future, the worst ghettos (banlieues) of Paris are literally walled off and among the worst is Banlieue 13. Controlled by ruthless crime lord Taha, who a young punk named Leito is determined to bring down. When the boss retaliates by kidnapping his sister Lola, a rescue attempt is betrayed by corrupt cops, ending up with Leito arrested and Lola kept in the Taha's clutches.