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In this ironic Russian drama, a man's thoughts of revenge turn to thoughts of reconciliation as he comes to know his intended victim a little better. The story is set in contemporary Russia following the destruction of the Communist regime. Nikolai is a slightly shady but successful businessman; he and his brand new wife are happily honeymooning on a train when he suddenly recognizes the sleeping car attendant as Oleg, the judge who gave him seven years for black-market trading during the Soviet era. The still angry Nikolai immediately begins plotting revenge against Oleg. He first feigns friendship with Oleg and ends up renting a room in the ex-judge's house. Then he gets Oleg a part-time job at one of his warehouses. Once Oleg trusts him, Nikolai has the town tart crawl into the older man's bed so that his wife will find Oleg in a compromising position. The ploy works and she leaves him. Later Nikolai plans to have Oleg take the fall for a warehouse robbery. But no matter what he does, Oleg is happy and when he finally recognizes Nikolai, he explains his reasons for having to send him to prison even though he did not want to. Nikolai slowly begins to respect the judge and then changes his mind about having his ex-cell mate kill Oleg.