It’s 1945, and World War II has just ended. A glacial winter, reaching 40 degrees Celsius below zero... Day after endless day of merciless labor, fueled only by scarce rations. Amidst the men dying off one by one in the hellish Soviet concentration camp is Hatao Yamamoto. “You must not give up hope. The day of domoy (going home) will come,” Yamamoto implores consistently to the despairing captives.
Under the dire conditions of the camp, there are ceaseless fights among the Japanese captives. Yet come what may, Yamamoto continues to cheer the men up regardless of rank and character. His heartfelt actions and beliefs gradually warm the frozen hearts of his fellow captives. Yamamoto believes through everything that he will someday go home to be with his wife and four children.
Eight years after the war, a postcard arrives from Yamamoto’s beloved wife. In the letter, passed through rigorous censorship, is written, “I am waiting for your return.” Tears stream down Yamamoto’s face as he thinks of his wife, raising their four children on her own. Everyone felt the day of domoy was near, but meanwhile, Yamamoto is subjected to illness. His health deteriorates rapidly, but Yamamoto never gives up hope that he will one day be reunited with his family. Aching to do something for their dear friend, his comrades set out to accomplish an extraordinary feat under the scrutiny of the guards.