The Decisive Step

The poor peasant Artyk cannot achieve his goal: to marry his beloved, the beautiful Aina. Rich Bally has wanted her for a long time. And although Aina likes Artyk, Bally calmly waits for his hour, he knows that his opponent has nothing to pay for. But the lovers decide to escape. Bally rushes after them and drives Aina home. In order to free the girl and take revenge on Bally, Artyk and a friend join Eziz Khan, who opposes the white king. Thus begins the combat path of the poor, not yet knowing their real enemies.

Directed by Alty Karliyev, The Decisive Step leans on a strong ensemble — Baba Annanov, Zhanna Smelyanskaya, Vladimir Petelin — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1966.