The Cranes Are Flying (1957) poster4

Russia10 Essential Russian FilmsStop 4 of 10

The Cranes Are Flying

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.

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