The film tells about the difficult fate of a Russian Navy officer and is shot as a kaleidoscope of events from his life, the viewer is shown several periods from the life and service of Senior Lieutenant Artenyev.
Revolutionary moods in the Navy as early as the year 15 force the officer to face questions about whose side he is on and for what he serves. It is clear that even being a man of open views, Artenev does not want to choose any side. It serves Russia, not the tsar or the victorious proletariat.
Roman Artenyev is not destined to develop into something normal, his sister dies of typhus. Personal life is broken. The fleet is degraded and falling apart, anti-German sentiment is strong, and there are too many barons on the Baltic Fleet. Thanks to the connivance of other officers, the sailors are disbanding more and more.
It is this abstract concept of the Motherland that allows him to pass with dignity through all the adversity that falls to his lot.
From the point of view of the civil war, the film is extremely neutral. Bastards and deserters are among sailors, as well as among commanders and officers. And one of the main positive characters is the red commissioner, accompanying the protagonist in many of his ordeals.
A powerful film about personal values and the preservation of inner integrity in the most troubled times.