Do It - One!

The story unfolds within a rigid Soviet military structure where conscripts endure harsh tests of loyalty. Hazing (dedovshchina) is depicted as a normalized part of daily life, shaping friendships and rivalries. The setting evokes the cold, orderly rhythms of army life, where rules are enforced by fear and status.

The film is set across a Soviet military environment starting at the recruiting station and moving into a motorized infantry barracks. Key locations include the dining hall, narrow corridors, and a boiler room where the most brutal hazing scenes unfold. The austere, hierarchical spaces emphasize control, discipline, and the tension between newcomers and the older soldiers.

🪖 Abuse of Power

A brutal hierarchy enables intimidation and punishment of younger recruits. Shipov and the older “grandfather” figures weaponize authority to keep control. The film shows how fear sustains a toxic system and suppresses dissent. Yet moments of resistance hint at the fragility of this power.

🤝 Friendship & Solidarity

Gavrilov’s friendship with Botsu becomes a lifeline amid relentless hazing. The bond provides mutual protection and sparks small acts of defiance against the older soldiers. Their alliance highlights how trust can momentarily disrupt a brutal regime. The story uses camaraderie to contrast oppression with resilience.

⚔️ Courage & Rebellion

Gavrilov’s decision to confront the abuse culminates in a bold, dangerous act that shifts the power balance. Taking a weapon to challenge Shipov marks a turning point in the fight for dignity. The film frames courage as a risky, morally charged response to systemic cruelty. The ending underscores that individual acts can disrupt entrenched authority.