Born into a world filled with prejudice are children who possess extraordinary and dangerous powers - the result of unique genetic mutations. But under the tutelage of Professor Xavier, these and other outcasts learn to harness their powers for the good of mankind. Now they must protect those who fear them as the nefarious Magneto, who believes humans and mutants can never co-exist, unveils his sinister plan for the future.

When one of four boyhood friends decides not to join the army with the others at the last minute, they think him a coward, and send him a white feather as a symbol of his cowardice; realizing his fiancé thinks the same, he resolves to redeem himself.

A war is brewing between those with special powers ("mutants") and the rest of humanity -- and the only ones who can save the humans from certain destruction are a special group of mutants - the "X-Men." (Based on the comic series).