A group of scientists is sent to the planet Arkanar to help the local civilization, which is in the Medieval phase of its own history, to find the right path to progress. Their task is a difficult one: they cannot interfere violently and in no case can they kill. The scientist Rumata tries to save the local intellectuals from their punishment and cannot avoid taking a position.
Day after day, routine, exhausting work, empty counters, worries, husband, mother-in-law, construction. It seems that there is another, better life somewhere.
A former boxing champion returns to his native town and takes to drink, but finds the strength to stop: he marries and gets a job at a factory. During perestroika he joins the democratic movement. The authorities declare him a rapist.
