Mongolia, 1960's. An old herdswoman lives alone in her yurt in the great Gobi Desert. Visitors from the national registration office come to collect information from her for the census. Sarcastically naming the elderly woman "pretty lady", they question her about her identity - but she divulges little. However, when one of the officers stays the night to count her livestock, she opens up to him with a dramatic tale of love, sacrifice, and motherhood.

A monk renounces his role to become King after his brother is killed. His new Queen is forced to choose sides between her husband and her father from a rival land, which eventually leads to an all out war for sovereignty.

The tank commander Dendev is disqualified from serving in the armed forces due to a complicated case. He hides this from his parents, friends Suld, Tuvshin, his new girlfriend Sarangoo, and his sister Nansal. When he wants to go back to his homeland, he is told that "Dendev from Byambaa has been expelled from the armed forces," and he is afraid to go. He is taken in by a contract soldier, Gandoli. Since it is uncomfortable to stay in the family, the film begins with Gandoli's mother selling dumplings at the Narantuul market. In the future, everyone tries to unravel the complexities of the case and find out who lost the missing bullet.