A costume drama based on Émile Zola's short story "The Attack on the Mill". A tragic story of countryside girl Hanka, set against the backdrop of Austria's war with the Duchy of Warsaw.
In 1809, Hanka and Janek's wedding is interrupted by the arrival of uhlans, who are supposed to stop the Austrians. Unfortunately, Janek is caught armed and consequently arrested. He manages to escape at night. He kills the guard. Hanka is raped by an Austrian officer. The Austrians tell her to bring Janek back or else they will execute her father. The young man comes back himself, but refuses to help with crossing the swamps. The Polish relief arrives too late. Janek and his father-in-law are executed.
