The film tells about the fate of the brilliant Russian poet Alexei Koltsov, who so romantically sang the nature of Rus', the incomparable beauty of Russian women, the incomprehensible mystery of the Russian soul.

The end of the XVIII century. The reign of Catherine II. In the deep Russian provinces, among the vast steppes of the Ural escaped convict Yemelyan Pugachev proclaimed himself Emperor Peter III of Russia. Under the banner of the Pretender embarked detachments of Cossacks, fugitive serfs, and many spirited people. In these troubled times in the God-forsaken Belogorsk young officer Pyotr Grinyov meets his first love - Masha, the daughter of Captain Mironov. Recklessly passionate love with each other did not want to notice the signs of impending trouble. They did not know that soon they will be an ordeal. They could not imagine how bizarre way their fates intertwined with the fate of the self-proclaimed king, and what an incredible effort will be worth it to save their lives and feelings in the bloody chaos of Russian riot.

A divorced Professor of gynaecology leads a quiet life preferring his work and his own company to other people. However, his solitude comes to an abrupt end when a neighbour knocks on his door one day asking for help. A young girl in his office is pregnant. Alone and confused, Anna feels that an abortion is her only option, but her doctor has advised her that, if she goes ahead with the operation, it is unlikely she will be able to have children. The Professor reluctantly agrees to examine her, but when he confirms his colleague's diagnosis, Anna is distraught.

Very little time has passed since the beginning of World War II. The young captain of the ship receives a crucial task - to deliver a secret cargo. But besides this, prisoners are brought on board. During swimming, convicts riot. At the same time, an enemy aircraft is circling the ship. In this difficult moment, the crew of the ship have to join forces with the prisoners, because this is the only way to resist death...