When her husband is sent of to war during World War II and is killed in action, a young Russian woman resigns herself to marrying his brother, whom she does not love.
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.
...these lyrical visuals (and some splendid performances) transform a story that would otherwise be thin melodrama into a confident and polished film packing an impressive amount of visual and emotional material into its 95 minutes.
In the rich Russian tradition founded by Eisenstein ..., director Mikhail Kalatozov and cinematographer Sergei Urusevsky leave a visually pleasing treasure
Exceptional and literally glorious filmaking. The story was perhaps a bit simple: young love interrupted by the great war - three cheers for us and war is bad. But - given the place and time this was created - 1957 USSR, still pretty edgy. Dynamic camerawork sometimes takes lead role and omg beautiful actress
Tatyana Smojlova was completely captivating.
The only Russian film to ever win the Palm'dor. A beautifully photographed love in the time of war movie that's well worth your time (if you're into that sort of thing).
No quotes approved yet for Letyat zhuravli (The Cranes are Flying). Logged in users can submit quotes.
Submit a Quote from 'Letyat zhuravli (The Cranes are Flying)'
A quote can be a single line from one character or a memorable dialog between several characters. Please make your quotes accurate. Quotes will be submitted for approval by the RT staff.
Example:
Luke: Alright. I'll give it a try. Yoda: No. Try not. Do or do not. There is no try.
Top Critic
