The Cranes Are Flying

The Cranes Are Flying

Year: 1957

Runtime: 97 mins

Language: Russian

Director: Mikhail Kalatozov

RomanceWarDramaWar and historical adventureHumanity and the world around us

A tender romance begins as Veronika and Boris meet in Moscow before World II. Walking by the river they watch cranes and promise to meet before Boris goes to the front. He never returns; Veronika endures wartime hardships, writes letters and, after her home is bombed, takes refuge with Boris’s family, where a cousin’s motives threaten her happiness.

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Timeline & Setting – The Cranes Are Flying (1957)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Cranes Are Flying (1957). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

June 1941 - 1945

The movie covers the period from the German invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, marking the USSR's entry into World War II, through the war's end in 1945. This was a critical era characterized by intense battles, civilian suffering, and the resilience of the Soviet people during one of the most tumultuous times in history.

Location

Moscow, Siberia, Berlin

The film takes place primarily in Moscow, reflecting its status as the cultural and political center of Russia during World War II. Part of the story also shifts to Siberia, showcasing its vast, harsh, and isolated environment used for relocation and wartime efforts. The climax and aftermath involve scenes in Berlin, representing the German front and the war's end, emphasizing the extensive geographical scope of the conflict.

🌆 Urban ❄️ Cold climate 🏞️ Vast landscapes

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:00

Main Characters – The Cranes Are Flying (1957)

Meet the key characters of The Cranes Are Flying (1957), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Veronika (Valentina Ananina)

Veronika remains faithful and hopeful throughout the chaos of war. She is a symbol of endurance, battling with heartbreak and guilt, but demonstrating resilience as she seeks love and meaning amid devastation. Her character embodies the strength of the human spirit in times of profound hardship.

🎖️ Loyal 💫 Hopeful 💔 Traumatized

Boris ( Aleksandr Kuznetsov, uncredited)

Boris is a dedicated soldier whose love for Veronika motivates his actions. His heroism and ultimate sacrifice highlight the theme of youthful bravery and the tragic cost of war. His final vision underscores the enduring power of love beyond death.

🎖️ Brave 🕊️ Sacrificial 💭 Idealistic

Mark (unknown actor)

Mark is Boris’s cousin who becomes entangled in complex feelings for Veronika. His actions—ranging from love to betrayal—adding tension and exploring themes of morality, guilt, and societal judgment amid wartime hardships.

💔 Jealous 😡 Agitated 💣 Disloyal

Volodya (unknown actor)

Volodya is a soldier and Boris’s comrade who undergoes recovery and provides a voice of reconciliation. His presence exemplifies the themes of friendship, healing, and the personal toll of war.

🤝 Loyal 🩹 Caring 🧠 Resilient

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:00

Major Themes – The Cranes Are Flying (1957)

Explore the central themes of The Cranes Are Flying (1957), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love and Loss

The film explores deep themes of romantic and familial love amidst war, highlighting how conflict can devastate personal relationships. Veronika's unwavering love for Boris faces numerous trials, including separation, betrayal, and grief, illustrating the enduring pain caused by war.

🕊️ War and Sacrifice

Central to the story is the theme of sacrifice, both personal and collective, as characters endure loss and suffering for their country. Boris's heroism and the civilians’ resilience underscore the brutal cost of war and the importance of remembrance.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:00

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The Cranes Are Flying Summary

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The Cranes Are Flying Summary

The Cranes Are Flying Timeline

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The Cranes Are Flying Timeline

The Cranes Are Flying Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Cranes Are Flying Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Cranes Are Flying

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