[3] The film tells the story of Shlykov, a hard-working taxi driver and Lyosha, a saxophonist, develop a bizarre love-hate relationship, and despite their prejudices, realize they aren't so different after all.

The taxi driver, Ivan Shlykov, a hardened, no-nonsense man of Soviet principles, tracks Alexey down, takes his saxophone as collateral, and leaves him jobless and homeless.

However, a chance meeting with famed American saxophonist Hal Singer boosts Alexey’s spirits, and he seizes an opportunity to perform abroad.

Alexey eventually returns to Moscow as a celebrated musician, but their reunion turns sour when his friends mock Ivan, leaving him humiliated.

The film’s closing sequence reveals their fates: Alexey, now a successful musician in New York, released another album, while Ivan bought his own taxi and settled into a quieter life, reflecting the complexities of their friendship and divergent paths.