Seit, a young painter, remembers the fateful love of Djamila, his sister-in-law, that deeply moved him when he was a little boy. In 1941, Seit was the only male of his family who stayed in their little Khirgisian village. Women, Cihldren and the elderly had to take over the work of the men who had to go to the front. As "head of the Family" Seit was supposed to take care of his sister-in-law. His brother Sadyk married Djamila only days before he was drafted. Although Djamila was completely taken by surprise by the marriage, she complied to the age-old tradition, to take the man that had been chosen for her. But soon she feels neglected as Sadyk only send her a little greetings at the end of his letters. Then she meets Danijar, a wounded soldier who returned home. At first she has nothing but sneers for him, but as time goes by she falls in love with him. Her feelings and her luck throw her into a deep conflict: Does she not betray her husband, who fights at the front, does she betray all traditions and her own honour?