The Cranes Are Flying
dir. Mikhail Kalatozov · 1957
War disrupts love and forces individuals to confront the harsh realities of life, leading to difficult choices and profound loss.
"The Cranes Are Flying" is a haunting exploration of love and loss set against the backdrop of World War II, beautifully captured through its lush cinematography and evocative performances. This film draws you into the emotional turmoil of waiting and yearning, creating a timeless resonance that lingers long after the credits roll.
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.
Full synopsisspoilers
As the clouds of war spread over Russia during Germany's surprise invasion in 1941, the fervent young lovers, the sensitive Veronika and the stalwart Boris, are parted when the patriotic lad secretly volunteers for the war effort. During the following hard years, Veronika who serves her country as a wartime-nurse will lose communication with Boris, moreover, when a devastating air raid destroys her house and Boris' father takes her in to live with the family, unexpectedly, things will take a turn for the worse. Before long, the worried fiancée will find herself dealing not only with the dark thoughts of Boris' potential loss but also with the burden of an unwelcome decision. Once, the star-crossed lovers swore eternal devotion under a flock of flying cranes, still, a war is always cruel and eternally disastrous.
