Watch The Cranes Are Flying

The Cranes Are Flying is a 1957 Soviet film that tells the story of love and loss amidst the chaos of war. The film is set during World War II and focuses on the experiences of Veronika (Tatyana Samoylova), a young woman who is torn apart from her lover Boris (Aleksey Batalov) when he is called away to fight in the war. As Veronika watches her city being destroyed, she struggles to cope with the loss of her loved one and the devastating effects of war.

The film is well-known for its visual style, which is both poetic and harrowing. The director, Mikhail Kalatozov, uses striking black-and-white footage to convey the bleakness and destruction of the war, while also using light and shadow to create stunningly beautiful images. The use of camera angles and movement is also notable, as the camera often moves in unexpected ways, creating a sense of unease and disorientation.

At the heart of the film is Samoylova's deeply emotional performance as Veronika. She conveys the pain and confusion of a young woman who has had her life torn apart by war, while also showing strength and resilience in the face of adversity. She is complemented by Batalov's performance as Boris, a charismatic and loving young man whose fate is ultimately out of his control.

The film is also notable for its depiction of the Soviet home front during the war. It shows the struggles of ordinary people who are doing their best to survive in a time of crisis, as well as the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought in the war. The film is a tribute to the resilience and fortitude of the Soviet people, and a reminder of the human toll of war.

The Cranes Are Flying was a critical and commercial success when it was released in 1957. It won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and was praised for its innovative visual style and emotional depth. It remains a powerful and moving film that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Overall, The Cranes Are Flying is a haunting and poetic film that depicts the devastating effects of war on individuals and society. It is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, and a reminder of the importance of peace and understanding in a world torn apart by conflict.

The Cranes Are Flying is a 1957 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3.