Set in 1941 in Belorussia, the Jewish Bielski brothers manage to escape the German massacre that claims their parents' lives in their village. Seeking refuge, they flee to the woods, soon attracting other fleeing Jews. Tuvia Bielski, the eldest, takes on the role of leader for the survivors. He orchestrates the establishment of a camp where everyone has designated tasks within the community. However, his brother, Zus Bielski, has a different perspective. He yearns to confront the Germans head-on and opposes Tuvia's directives. As a result, Zus elects to join the Russian resistance, an organization skeptical of Jewish involvement in combat.
Tuvia's camp becomes a sanctuary, where survivors and his two younger brothers band together, fighting for sustenance and resources. Meanwhile, Zus encounters anti-Semitism among the Russian partisans, highlighting the tensions and challenges faced by Jews in their pursuit of resistance during this tumultuous time.
