The Cranes Are Flying (1957)

In the shadow of a brewing storm of war, young lovers Veronika and Boris navigate their blossoming romance in the heart of Moscow. They wander the city's streets, their laughter echoing through the air, their love as vibrant as the flock of cranes soaring overhead. A rendezvous by the riverbank solidifies their bond, a promise of eternal devotion wrapped in the innocence of their youth. But the brutal intrusion of the Second World War severs their connection. Boris, a stalwart figure fueled by patriotism, is swept away into the vortex of conflict. He secretly enlists, leaving behind his work at the factory and his love, Veronika. Meanwhile, Veronika's world crumbles around her, not only by the loss of Boris but also by an air raid that shatters her home into dust. The war thrusts Veronika into a new role as a wartime-nurse, a beacon of hope in a landscape scarred by devastation. Boris' father takes her in, providing her with a new home amidst the chaos. Yet, this refuge comes with its own trials, pushing Veronika towards an unwanted decision that weighs heavy on her heart. As days turn into years, Veronika battles the choking uncertainty of Boris' fate and the haunting memory of their love. Once, they swore their love under the flight of cranes, oblivious to the looming war. But as Veronika soon learns, war is a relentless beast, capable of unraveling even the most profound connections and leaving a trail of irrevocable damage in its wake. Through her journey, "The Cranes Are Flying" presents a poignant exploration of love, loss, and resilience in the face of merciless circumstances.

The Cranes Are Flying is a drama movie featuring Tatyana Samoylova.

The Cranes Are Flying is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on The Roku Channel and it's also available on Criterion Channel, Max and Max Amazon Channel.