What Is When I Will Become a Giant About?
The premise of When I Will Become a Giant in 275 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a modest Russian town, the rhythm of everyday life is punctuated by the chatter of an eighth‑grade class and the looming excitement of a school production of Cyrano de Bergerac. The hallways hum with the mixture of teenage bravado and the earnest yearning for acceptance, creating a backdrop where literature and adolescent intrigue intersect. Within this close‑knit world, the stage becomes more than a performance space—it subtly mirrors the hidden battles and whispered confidences that shape the students’ lives.
At the heart of the story is Petya Kopeikin, a slight, quick‑witted boy whose love of poetry and literature sets him apart from his peers. Though he often finds himself the center of attention, his quiet nature masks a deep, unspoken affection for Masha Goroshkina, a classmate whose own heart seems to gravitate toward the newcomer Kolya Kristallov. Adding another layer to the dynamic is Fedya Lastochkin, whose own ambitions and pride spark a rivalry that echo the classic duel of words and honor found in Rostand’s play. The relationships among these characters are laced with humor, self‑sacrifice, and the kind of clever wordplay that feels both timeless and unmistakably youthful.
The film balances a gentle, almost nostalgic tone with a sharp, contemporary edge, inviting viewers to contemplate the quiet courage that resides in ordinary gestures. It paints a portrait of a boy who, despite his modest stature, carries a noble spirit reminiscent of Cyrano, choosing to act with integrity in a world that often rewards louder voices. Through its warm, slightly wry atmosphere, the narrative teases the audience with the promise of heartfelt growth, unspoken truths, and the enduring power of sincere, self‑less affection.
What Happens in When I Will Become a Giant?
The complete story of When I Will Become a Giant, from the first scene to the last, in 380 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Petya Kopeikin, Mikhail Efremov, a self-proclaimed troublemaker in his eighth grade, disrupts the school play Cyrano de Bergerac because of his dislike for his classmate Fedya Lastochkin, Andrey Vasilyev, who has been cast as Cyrano. This act sparks a Cyrano-like rivalry between Petya and Lastochkin, turning a simple school outcome into a clash of pride, wit, and moments of vulnerability.
Petya is an unassuming boy who, despite his short stature, tends to be at the center of attention. He hides a secret crush on Masha Goroshkina, Natalya Sezeman, while Masha herself is drawn to Koly Kristallov, a mediocre newcomer in the ninth grade, Aleksei Dmitriyev. In a bid to help Masha realize her feelings, Petya acts as a go-between, delivering notes from Masha to Kristallov. He even crafts verses for Kristallov to pass off as his own, choosing to be the quiet, self-effacing facilitator rather than the star of the moment.
Fedya Lastochkin seizes the opportunity to strike back, revealing Petya’s tender feelings for Masha to Kristallov. This intrusion jolts the fragile dynamic between the two boys and gives Kristallov leverage to confront Petya directly. With a blunt tone, Kristallov tells Petya that he is not someone Masha could genuinely like, a line that stings because it doubts Petya’s sincerity and presence in the girl’s world.
Neighbors by proximity—Petya and Masha share balconies that are close enough to overhear—means that Masha witnesses the confrontation from a nearby vantage point. This closeness becomes a crucial backdrop for the revelation that follows. When the exchange plays out in hearing distance, Masha begins to piece together who authored the poems and who truly has the heart behind the lines.
In the end, Masha’s understanding deepens: she sees Petya’s genuine affection and his noble, if understated, actions. She also recognizes Kristallov for what he really is—a hollow figure who lacks the depth she hoped to discover. The moment reframes the entire budding love triangle, shifting the focus from theater mischief to a clearer portrait of honesty, integrity, and the quiet courage of wanting the best for someone else. The story lingers on the emotional growth of a boy who chooses to act with integrity, even when it complicates the social dynamics around him, and on a girl who learns to value sincerity over appearance.
When I Will Become a Giant Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
10 key events in the order they happen, from “Petya disrupts the school play and sparks rivalry” to “Masha recognizes Petya's sincerity”. 10 events name a place, across 8 locations.
- 1
Petya disrupts the school play and sparks rivalry
During a school play rehearsal of Cyrano de Bergerac, Petya acts out and disrupts the performance because he dislikes his classmate Fedya who is chosen to play Cyrano. The interruption earns him the label 'troublemaker' from the teacher. The incident kicks off a Cyrano-like rivalry between Petya and Fedya.
When:During the school play rehearsal Where:School auditorium
- 2
A Cyrano-like rivalry takes shape
The disruption sets off a rivalry between Petya and Fedya, each trying to outdo the other in front of classmates. Their antics feed the competition and escalate the tension in the class. This rivalry becomes a recurring undercurrent throughout the events.
When:In the days following the incident Where:School
- 3
Petya's secret love for Masha
Petya, though short in stature, harbors a secret crush on Masha Goroshkina. He keeps his feelings hidden, even as he becomes entangled in school drama and peer dynamics. His longing shapes many of his later choices.
When:Earlier period Where:School/enviroment
- 4
Masha's interest in Kristallov
Masha becomes interested in Koly Kristallov, a mediocre newcomer in the ninth grade. Her attraction to him drives the need for someone to act as a go-between. Petya agrees to fulfill that role, setting the plan in motion.
When:Around the time Masha shows interest Where:School
- 5
Petya becomes Masha's go-between
Petya starts delivering notes from Masha to Kristallov, acting as the intermediary between the two. He even goes as far as passing along messages and arranging a way for Kristallov to receive Masha's affections. This role pulls him deeper into the scheme and his own deception starts to take shape.
When:During class days Where:School corridors
- 6
Petya writes verses for Kristallov to pass
Knowing Masha's love of poetry, Petya creates verses for Kristallov to present as his own. He hopes to boost Kristallov's image and win Masha's affection indirectly. The ruse continues to strengthen while Petya maintains his selfless demeanor.
When:Over the period of the plan Where:Petya's desk/home
- 7
Fedya reveals Petya's affections to Kristallov
Fedya uses the poems and Petya's apparent affection as leverage and exposes it to Kristallov. The revelation stings Petya, who fears the consequences in front of his rivals and Masha. The confrontation marks a turning point in how the trio's dynamics unfold.
When:After the notes and poems are circulating Where:Kristallov's space/classroom
- 8
Kristallov confronts Petya
Kristallov confronts Petya, telling him that he's not someone Masha could like. The confrontation brings Petya's secret into the open and places him in a difficult position with both Masha and his rival.
When:Immediately after the revelation Where:School
- 9
Masha overhears the exchange
Petya and Kristallov's exchange is overheard by Masha from nearby balconies, as she and Petya are neighbors. The overhearings reveal the truth behind who wrote the poems and why Petya acted as go-between. Masha begins to see the situation in a new light.
When:That moment Where:Neighborhood balconies
- 10
Masha recognizes Petya's sincerity
Masha realizes that Petya's actions were born of sincere affection and noble intent, while Kristallov is revealed as an empty shell. The revelation shifts her perception of both boys and cements Petya's unspoken love in a new light.
When:Following the overhearing Where:Neighborhood/home vicinity
Who Are the Main Characters in When I Will Become a Giant?
5 characters, among them Petya Kopeikin (Mikhail Efremov), Fedya Lastochkin (Andrey Vasilyev) and Masha Goroshkina (Natalya Sezeman): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- PK
Petya Kopeikin (Mikhail Efremov)
Played by Mikhail Efremov
An eighth-grader who is insecure about his short stature and eager to be noticed. He harbors secret feelings for Masha Goroshkina and uses wit and small acts of kindness to navigate his affection. He orchestrates passing notes and writing poems for Kristallov, hoping to help Masha while staying true to his emotions.
- 🧒 Insecure
- 💘 Romantic
- 🕊️ Honest
- FL
Fedya Lastochkin (Andrey Vasilyev)
Played by Andrey Vasilyev
A confident classmate who relishes rivalry and uses scheming to challenge Petya. He exploits the Cyrano-like contest by revealing Petya's feelings to Kristallov, hoping to complicate the love triangle and assert his own dominance.
- 🎭 Show-off
- 🗡️ Rival
- 🧭 Cunning
- MG
Masha Goroshkina (Natalya Sezeman)
Played by Natalya Sezeman
Petya's neighbor and crush, drawn to poetry and the idea of a Renaissance man in Kristallov. She is charmed by the poetic gesture but ultimately recognizes Petya's genuine affection after overhearing the confrontation.
- 💖 Romantic
- 📝 Poetic
- 👀 Observant
- KK
Koly Kristallov (Aleksei Dmitriyev)
Played by Aleksei Dmitriyev
A newcomer in the ninth grade who presents himself as a poet and Renaissance man, including being a basketball player. He is the target of Petya's and Lastochkin's schemes, and his hollow persona is exposed by the contrast with Petya's sincerity.
- 🎭 Pretender
- 🧭 Charmer
- 🏀 Athlete
- LT
Literature Teacher (Aleksandr Kuznetsov)
Played by Aleksandr Kuznetsov
A school authority figure who frames Petya as a troublemaker and guides the class through the Cyrano-like scenario. He embodies the institutional perspective on classroom behavior and performance.
- 👨🏫 Authority
- 🗒️ Disciplinarian
- 🧭 Mentor
Where and When Is When I Will Become a Giant Set?
When I Will Become a Giant is set in Russian secondary school and surrounding neighborhood. Here is why the place matters to the story.
Where
Russian secondary school and surrounding neighborhood
Most scenes unfold inside a Russian secondary school and the adjacent neighborhood. Classrooms, a school stage, and nearby balconies frame the Cyrano-like rivalry and Petya's secret admiration for Masha. The setting emphasizes everyday life where conversations and misunderstandings shape relationships.
- 🏫 School life
- 🏘️ Neighborhood life
- 🧭 Social dynamics
What Are the Themes of When I Will Become a Giant?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love, Rivalry and Poetry.
-
01
Love
Petya harbors secret feelings for Masha, choosing acts of kindness over bravado. He helps pass notes from Masha to Kristallov and even writes poems for him to pass as Kristallov's own, hoping to win her affection indirectly. When Kristallov exposes Petya's feelings, Masha overhears and discovers the truth behind the poems, which reveals Petya's sincere devotion. Her realization shows that genuine love is measured by honesty and integrity rather than grand gestures.
-
02
Rivalry
Two rivals emerge: Petya and Lastochkin, the classmate chosen to play Cyrano. Their competition creates a tense dynamic in school performances and daily interactions. The rivalry pushes them to test each other's motives—ego versus authenticity.
-
03
Poetry
Poetry acts as both bridge and mask in the story. Petya writes verses to pass off as Kristallov's own, hoping to spark Masha's interest; the poems reveal his inner truth even when used as deception. When Masha overhears the confrontation, she discerns the sincerity behind the lines and the real author of the words. The scenes underscore how art can expose character more than appearances.
What Kind of Film Is When I Will Become a Giant?
Hopeful in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A tender and nostalgic coming-of-age story that balances youthful melancholy with heartfelt sincerity as a boy navigates first love through selfless acts of poetry.
- hopeful
- nostalgic
- tender
- melancholic
- youthful
- reflective
- coming of age
- unrequited love
- poetry
- school life
Quiz
How well do you remember When I Will Become a Giant? Test yourself on the story.
