Beveik visi žino, kad leitenantas Tomas Dodžas - tikrų tikriausias nevykėlis, sugadinantis viską, prie ko tik prisiliečia. Tačiau admirolas Dynas Vinslovas nesutinka su daugumos nuomone ir nusprendžia suteikti Tomui Dodžui dar vieną šansą įrodyti savo vertę. Dodžas paskiriamas pasenusio, dyzeliu varomo povandeninio laivo kapitonu.
1942-ųjų žiema. Šeštoji vermachto armija kovoja sugriauto Stalingrado priemiesčiuose. Elitinis vokiečių kariuomenės būrys, pirmajame mūšyje praradęs pusę savo karių, tęsia sunkią kovą dėl išgyvenimo. Švilpiančios kulkos ir „katiušų“ staugesys, šaltis ir badas veda likusius kovotojus link beprotybės. Linija tarp gyvybės ir mirties tampa perregima. Praradę idealus fiurerio skelbiami šūkiai „laikytis iki galo“ įgauna visiškai kitokią, daug baisesnę prasmę...
Makunouchi Ippo is an ordinary high school student in Japan. Since he spends most of his time away from school helping his mother run the family business, he doesn't get to enjoy his younger years like most teenagers. Always a target for bullying at school (the family fishing business grants him a distinct odor), Ippo's life is one of hardship. One of these after-school bullying sessions turns Ippo's life around for the better, as he is saved by a boxer named Takamura. He decides to follow in Takamura's footsteps and train to become a boxer, giving his life direction and purpose. Ippo's path to perfecting his pugilistic prowess is just beginning...
Yan Poyue, a high school student who comes from a family of soldiers. He forgoes the university entrance examinations and joins the armed police force in order to prove his worth to his father.
Wang Yunshan is the leader of the Eighth Route Army Regiment. Although uneducated and hot tempered, he possess an extraordinary military mind. He dared to fight hard and taking an unorthodox strategy, he was able to win against the Japanese army.
