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Soviet war hero Kotov and his family enjoy a blissfully bucolic summer day. Director Nikita Mikhalkov stars as Kotov, a lion of a man, who is adored by his charming daughter (played by his actual daughter Nadezhda Mikhalkova) and his graceful wife Marussia (Ingeborga Dapkunaite). An old acquaintance, Mitya, unexpectedly arrives on their doorstep and while he is welcomed into the house, an air of unease accompanies him. Amidst tinges of jealously (Mitya is revealed to be Marussia's former lover) and suspicions of Mitya's motivations, Kotov comes to realise the deeply horrifying reach of the Stalinist government his has served.