In a singularly philosophical and comic story, Boris Grushenko (Woody Allen) is a young Russian man during Russia's struggle with Napoleon. Boris is terrified of war and politically apathetic, but is nonetheless forced into the army, where he inadvertently becomes a hero. This, combined with his blossoming relationship with Sonja (Diane Keaton) leads to marriage, political activism, and a great deal of existential confusion for Boris. This all culminates in a desperate plan to assassinate Napoleon to end the war. The overall story is philosophical, but all the philosophy has an edge of humor, and the entire film becomes a parody of darker Russian works.