A Great Start

The film follows Lu Zhong-kui, an advanced worker who takes charge of the smelting shop at a metallurgical plant. He embarks on a mission to re-equip the open-hearth furnace, despite warnings from the plant director and specialists about its operational limits. The narrative captures the tension between individual ambition and collective caution, as Lu draws inspiration from the Soviet experience to rally support for his cause.

As the story unfolds, an accident dramatically illustrates the risks involved when steel bursts from the furnace. This incident is emblematic of the broader struggles depicted in the film, showcasing the determination of workers to meet state production goals. The film is steeped in the themes of perseverance and communal effort, making it significant within the context of its time.