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The Cranes Are Flying

The compelling story of a girl's impassioned search for happiness.

1957 · 1h 37m · Not Rated Drama, Romance, War
Directed by Mikhail Kalatozov

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Overview

Veronika and Boris come together in Moscow shortly before World War II. Walking along the river, they watch cranes fly overhead, and promise to rendezvous before Boris leaves to fight. Boris misses the meeting and is off to the front lines, while Veronika waits patiently, sending letters faithfully. After her house is bombed, Veronika moves in with Boris' family, into the company of a cousin with his own intentions.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
96%
Tomatometer
Rotten

It's exactly what you'd expect: tepid, artsy, and grayish.

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Fresh

Thanks to Mr. Kalatozov's direction and the excellent performance Tatyana Samoilova gives as the girl, one absorbs a tremendous feeling of sympathy from this film -- a feeling that has no awareness of geographical or political bounds.

Bosley Crowther, New York Times
Fresh

A key post-war effort, both for its cinematic audacity and for its frank, moving depiction of families and lovers torn apart by violence.

Scott Tobias, AV Club

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