Bodrov suggested to The New York Times that the film played a role in initiating peace talks between Russia and its neighbors, as it was screened to President Yeltsin on a Sunday and discussions began the next day.

During the First Russian-Chechen War, young Ivan Zhilin is conscripted into military service and finds himself in Chechnya alongside battle-hardened Sergeant Sasha and another soldier.

Initial exchange attempts fail due to Russian deception, prompting Abdul to instruct Ivan and Sasha to write letters to their mothers, urging negotiations for their release.

The film ends with Ivan narrating: he returns home with his mother, haunted by the events and unable to forget those involved.

A scene portraying mountain dwellers relaxing and preparing shish kebabs was filmed near the Khuchnin waterfall in the Tabasaran district.