AllMovie

Set in the rugged terrain of Kirghizia during World War II, this effective drama centers on the coming of age of a few young teens. Because all the adult males in the families have been called off to war, the fourteen-year-old Sultanmurat, like his friends, suddenly has to take on adult responsibilities. He does his best yet is regularly plagued by "growing-up" lessons. He cannot even show off his riding skills for the local young women without causing a minor disaster. That is not the worst of it though, he soon finds out that an uncle is involved in some shady deals.