This film is based on the classic novel of the same name by writer Ivan Franko, one of the most famous figures of Ukrainian literature. It is set during the 1200s and the invasion of the medieval Ukrainian-Russian state of Rus' by Chengis Khan's Golden Horde. Due to its having been produced during the Soviet era, the story's aspect of class-conflict between the "heroic" peasantry and the "decadent" noble particularly emphasized here.
An iconic Ukrainian play of the same name meets TV.
Anatoly Ruchyov is quite a talented guy. One day he decides to enter a prestigious Soviet university — the institute of international relations. But, alas, he overestimates his strength and doesn't achieve his goal. This saddens the young man a little, but he doesn't even think to lower his hands. Anatoly decides to go to military service and reach heights in this area. At first, it is a little lost, but, after the time has elapsed, it is mastered, because there is nowhere to go. Slowly he turns into a real exemplary fighter.
