Master of Moscow

The first half of the 19th century, Moscow. On the eve of the 1812 war, the serf family Nikishin arrives in the city: seventeen‑year‑old Ivan, his father Terenty, his older brother Vasily, and younger sister Agasha. Terenty hopes to buy freedom for himself and his children, but their landowner sells the estate — along with the peasants — to the wealthy Count Lebedev. Thus the Nikishins are forced to remain in Moscow. Ivan falls in love with Masha Klykova, the merchant’s daughter, but cannot marry her while he is still a serf. Agasha becomes an actress in the Lebedevs’ home theatre, and is seduced by the master’s son, Pavel, who serves as an adjutant to Governor‑General Gudovich. Vasily finds work as a clerk for merchant Klykov — and he too falls in love with Masha. Ahead of the Nikishins lie many trials, the most fearsome of which is Napoleon’s occupation of Moscow — as well as love, career achievements, freedom, and a new life…