William Saroyan’ın “The Laughing Matter” (Gülünecek Şey) adlı kitabından uyarlanmış filmin konusu şöyle: Anne, baba ve iki çocuğu, büyük şehirden büyükbabalarından kalma kır evinde kalmak üzere babasının doğum yeri olan kasabaya giderler. Böylece şehir kültürü yerini doğanın hükmüne bırakır ve ailenin büyük fedakârlıklar isteyen bu yaşam biçimine ayak uydurmaya çalışma macerası başlar.

Sürgün

Almost immediately after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the era of "market relations"begins. Capitalism is re-emerging in the country. It is time for redistribution of property and spheres of influence between criminal groups.  War breaks out between gangs, in the ranks of which are often former athletes. Especially appreciated are those who have the skills of martial arts.  At this time, a group of children who profess a rare kind of hand-to-hand fighting, called "Russian style", comes to one provincial city.  Their appearance greatly alarmed the leaders of the two rival gangs controlling the city. They are trying to get these valuable fighters into their ranks. In the course of going any means, and the guys are forced to defend themselves.