Set in the USSR during the 1950's, 6-year-old Sania's mother, Katia, is a war widow who takes a new lover, making Sania very unhappy. However, as time passes, Sania begins to take to Tolyan, an army officer who teaches the kid basic, macho survival tactics. When mother and son realize that Tolian is

Set in the USSR during the 1950's, 6-year-old Sania's mother, Katia, is a war widow who takes a new lover, making Sania very unhappy. However, as time passes, Sania begins to take to Tolyan, an army officer who teaches the kid basic, macho survival tactics. When mother and son realize that Tolian is a pickpocket and burglar posing as a soldier, Katia is too much in love to leave. His robberies keep the family on the run until he is arrested and sentenced to seven years in Siberia. Katia eventually dies of a botched abortion, leaving Sania to await Tolian's return.