19th century. Russia, one of the biggest and most powerful empires in the world is fighting a bloody war to subjugate the free peoples of the Caucasus. In 1828 Caucasian Imamate was established in order to unite Caucasian peoples against Russia under the banner of Islam. By 1834 the situation is dire. Ghazi-Muhammad, the leader of the Imamate, gets killed in an ambush by the Russian forces. One of his loyal warriors, Shamil, barely escapes alive. The fight must continue, but the future is uncertain.

Vadik Volnov (Garik Kharlamov) dies on his own wedding of cannabis overdose and has to prove to God that he is worthy to enter Heaven. During his conversation with God's secretary, Vadik recalls numerous memorable moments of his earthly existence, such as getting drunk on cognac on his 8th birthday, service in the Soviet Army in Afghanistan, bandit showdowns in crime-ridden 1990s Russia, and, finally, meeting the love of his life.