Minin and Pozharsky

In the summer of 1610, a rural area lies in ruin from Polish occupation. Merchants Kuzma Minin and Nelyub Ovtsyn arrive by cart and rescue a wounded peasant named Roman from a burning ruin. They vow to save Russia from the Poles, setting the stage for a people-powered resistance.

Winter 1610: Roman is sheltered at a monastery near Moscow and encounters Prince Dmitry Pozharsky, who temporarily tends horses at the request of the servant Stepan. Roman hides in a stable when Grigory Orlov, his former master, arrives. Stepan confronts the truth about Roman, but Pozharsky advises him to go to Pozharsky's Moscow estate for safety.

An informed decision leads Orlov to carry a letter from a Greek monk addressed to the Kremlin's commander. He proceeds toward Moscow, where the Sretensky Gates are blocked by Polish forces and Roman is loudly searched, yet Orlov passes, inflaming the crowd.

Back at the Kremlin, the letter reveals that the First Volunteer Army is approaching and Pozharsky plans an uprising. Yan Sapieha orders the burning of Moscow, and the Poles begin carrying out the grim order, escalating the crisis.

Roman gathers a crowd of peasants at Prince Pozharsky’s estate and a veteran orders them to resist the invaders. The rebels are thrust into danger as Poles attempt to quash the uprising, burning areas and clashing with improvised forces before regrouping.

In fall 1611, Minin travels to Nizhny Novgorod and pushes for a militia despite merchant resistance led by Nelyub. A beggar donates his entire money to Minin, catalyzing a patriotic surge. The Second Volunteer Army is formed under Minin and Pozharsky and begins marching toward Moscow.

Meanwhile, Polish leaders learn of the rising militia. King Sigismund Vasa consults the Jesuit de Mallo, who urges assassinating Pozharsky. Hetman Khodkevich plans to march on Moscow, and Stepan agrees to kill the prince, while Swedish mercenaries provide additional support for the Polish forces.

Roman, now integrated with the militiamen, informs Pozharsky about the plots of Prince Trubetskoy and Ataman Zarutsky and about Khodkevich’s planned march toward Moscow. Pozharsky strengthens defenses as the threat grows closer to Moscow.

Stepan and Orlov attempt to smuggle a group of Poles into Moscow, but Pozharsky’s ambush thwarts the plan. In the confrontation that follows, Roman kills Orlov and orders Stepan’s execution, eliminating two traitorous threats.

The next morning, a fog covers Moscow as militia cavalry cross the river to begin the decisive engagement. Pozharsky deploys artillery at Zotov’s fortified positions and rallies his men for a determined defense against Khodkevich’s attack aided by Swedish troops.

As battle rages, Cossacks switch sides to join the militia, turning the tide of combat. Polish garrison soldiers in the Kremlin respond with cannon fire and symbolic banners, signaling a crucial shift in morale and momentum.

Under sustained pressure, Khodkevich’s forces falter and retreat. The Polish garrison surrenders, and the militia triumphantly enters Moscow, reclaiming the capital.

The film closes with a speech by Minin and Pozharsky to the people at Lobnoye Mesto, commemorating the unity and sacrifice that freed Moscow. Their words symbolize a new sense of Russian national resilience and shared purpose.