AllMovie

Set in Russia, this children's drama chronicles a 10-year old boy's search for the truth about his mother's mysterious death. He must do his investigations carefully as his alcoholic prison guard father has a terrible temper. Fortunately, the father rarely pays attention to the lad whose only friend is the introverted girl who lives next door. One day, the boy is taken to an orphanage, and there his life changes dramatically when he begins making friends with the other boys and heading off for new and exciting adventures.