The students, who come from poor families, are initially reluctant to learn and are more interested in playing and having fun. However, with Pak Harfan's patience, creativity, and dedication, they begin to develop a love for learning and a sense of purpose. The film's title, "Laskar Pelangi," refers to the students' nickname for themselves, which translates to "Rainbow Troop."

The film is set in 1983 on the island of Belitung, Indonesia. The story revolves around a group of young students who are eager to learn and improve their lives despite the challenges they face. The movie follows the journey of a young teacher, Pak Harfan (played by Tora Sudiro), who is assigned to teach a group of students in a remote village.

The film explores several themes, including: