The Cranes Are Flying

1h 37m · 1957 · Directed by Mikhail Kalatozov · 4.5 / 5 on Letterboxd

The Cranes Are Flying (1957) runs 1h 37m, directed by Mikhail Kalatozov. It is one of 3,647 films in the 100 Minute Movies catalog — every one rated 3.0 or higher by Letterboxd members and short enough to finish in an evening.

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.

Genres: Drama, Romance, War

No US streaming listed when we last checked (9 July 2026). Availability changes often.