In Saint Petersburg, protests are held, with passionate speeches from figures such as the future writer Vsevolod Garshin and the renowned surgeon Nikolay Pirogov.

The film vividly depicts key events of the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878), including the crossing of the Danube River at Zimnitsa, the Defense of Shipka Pass, the third assault on Pleven, and the Battle of Sheynovo.

The portrayal of the war aligns with the prevailing Soviet historical narrative, contrasting the competence of progressive Russian commanders (such as War Minister Dmitry Milyutin and Generals Mikhail Skobelev, Iosif Gurko, Nikolay Stoletov, Fyodor Radetsky, Eduard Totleben, and Mikhail Dragomirov) against the ineffectiveness of the higher command, including Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich, Generals Nepokoychitsky and Lechitsky, and Emperor Alexander II himself.

It was filmed on location in Bulgaria at the actual historical sites during the same seasons as the events depicted, adding a layer of authenticity to the massive battle scenes.

Thousands of soldiers and officers from Soviet and Bulgarian forces participated in the production, contributing to the film's grandiose and historically accurate portrayal of this pivotal war.