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It's young love on the steppes in this romantic fable based on a 1956 story by Chingiz Aitmatov. The movie was filmed on the beautiful Kirghiz steppes. The story reflects the wistful memories of Seit, a N.Y. painter as he reminisces about his youthful, innocent love affair with Jamilia back in the Kirghiz countryside during the 1940's. Jamilia was beautiful and also, the best horseback rider in town. Unfortunately, Seit's older brother marries her in an arranged ceremony. Seit is designated, Jamilia's protector after his brother goes off to war. Nothing comes of it as a dashing, wounded soldier interlopes and she falls for him. Eventually Seit returns to his homeland, but he is afraid to meet Jamilia who is now a grandmother.