About the struggle of serfs and soldiers of the Right-Bank Ukraine, led by the folk hero Karmelyuk (Ustim Karmalyuk, 1787-1835), against the haidukas of Podillya and the Pan's yoke.

A young farmer Ivan and his lazy father Stepan try to help with the construction of the Dniprohes, but he learns that strength is not enough for a worker and joins the Communist party.

On the 'class struggle' in rural areas in 1929, when the first collective farms were being established.

The film tells about the heroic struggle of Ukrainian farmers-partisans with nazi invaders during the Great Patriotic war.

After a pacifist artwork incurs the displeasure of totalitarian state authorities, its creator is accused of the murder of a state official.