This war drama is dedicated to the victory in the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945). It revolves around Pavel Zubov, a school teacher whose village was occupied by the fascists. Being a teacher is his calling in life. He believes in such basic human values as love and family. However, a certain chain of events changes the way he perceives life and leads him to a darker view of reality. In this time of war, as the enemy shows its true face, he must make an uneasy choice to either survive and adapt to the new regime or fight for his family, love, homeland, ideals, and beliefs.