Конец 1943 года. Подразделение советских солдат во главе с молодым, ещё не нюхавшим войны, младшим лейтенантом останавливается в глухой деревеньке, стоящей в стороне от главных дорог. Её жители за всё время войны ни разу не видели немцев, поэтому внезапное появление здесь отборных диверсантов СС стало для всех полной неожиданностью.

Different strokes for different folks - says the proverb. Born a rabble dies a rabble. But this is the year 1700, the time of dramatic changes in the Russian Empire, the time of reformations carried out by Peter the Great. Young serf Ivan Starshov is head over heels in love with Maria, the daughter of his master. He doesn't want to accept that the young princess is no match for him. "You gave me wishes, but you do not allow me to satisfy them!" rages Ivan against God. He asks a priest for help, since God created all people equal. But the priest repeats the proverb. Accept your fate destiny as it is. In despair, Starshov repudiates from faith. Ivan is stubborn; he leaves the village to take possession of his fate. This is how the protagonist gets on the winding road to the true understanding of Love.