Russia10 Essential Russian FilmsStop 4 of 10

The Cranes Are Flying

Name: The Cranes Are Flying
Genre: Drama, Romance, War
Released: 1957
Duration: 97 min

Летят журавли

1957 · 97 min · Drama

When her sweetheart goes off to fight in World War II, a young Moscow woman endures loss, coercion, and a marriage she never wanted as she waits and hopes for his return. Mikhail Kalatozov's soaring, visually dazzling wartime romance.

Why it’s here

Kalatozov’s visually audacious wartime drama united formal invention with an intimate Russian civilian perspective.

Runtime: 97 min
Genre: Drama · Romance · War
Mood: tense · romantic · thoughtful
Entry: some context
Best for: shorter watch · film history

Content notes: war or political violence Non-exhaustive

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Part of 10 Essential Russian Films

This film is stop 4 of 10 in the hand-ranked native-cinema route through Russia. See the complete ranking or read the selection methodology.

Watching this film stamps Russia in the 196 country film challenge.