A Step (Russian: Шаг, romanized: Shag) is a 1988 Soviet drama film directed by Alexander Mitta.

[1][2][3] The film is set in 1959 Japan, where a grieving mother defies bureaucratic barriers and journeys to the Soviet Union to secure a life-saving polio vaccine, determined to protect her child and countless others amidst a devastating epidemic.

[4] Set in 1959, during a devastating polio epidemic in Japan that leaves thousands of children dead or disabled, the film follows the story of Keiko, a grieving mother determined to save her younger son after losing her eldest.

As Japanese mothers stage protests demanding immediate use of the Soviet vaccine, bureaucratic obstacles on both sides threaten to delay its distribution.

Through Keiko's relentless efforts and the collaboration of Dr. Gusev, the vaccine is finally delivered to Japan, saving millions of children's lives.