MovieChat Forums > Letyat zhuravli (1960) Discussion > This movie was great I'd like some feedb...

This movie was great I'd like some feedback

posted 18 years ago by MoreSnakesPlease
8 replies | jump to latest

The ending was a little off for me, I saw this late at night I think it was on TCM and I really enjoyed most of it. The ending was expected where she'd see the cranes in the sky again, kind of closure and that fit in well, what I didn't like was how she walks off and hands out some flowers (how sweet ) and that is it? What was the point of her reaction when she sees the photo again? I was so confused remember I saw this very late at night I'll probably go rent it from netflix sometime.

Best parts: When Veronica is trying to catch up to her going away soldier and she doesn't get there in time, I thought the camera work was great and the whole segment was moving

When the comrade falls and as he dies he looks up into the trees it reminded me of a recent scene in The Professional where SPOILERS the main character is dying and the it is his point of view falling to the ground. But in The Cranes Are Flying it immediatley fades into Veronica getting married to (the cousin I think) and it's all very dreamy it was probably my favorite scene. I thought it'd be a lot more depressing, it wasn't unbearable.. 9/10

"Have you ever danced with a refrigerator?"

[–] CushyJob 17 years ago

I wasn't expecting that ending either. But I was glad that she was finally accepting of fate and could move on with her life. I got the impression she forgave herself finally and with that, knew he had already forgiven her long before. It is one of my new favorites - the cinematography is unlike anything I've seen and sometimes I rewatch the beginning scenes with the sound off. They are like living paintings and I want to jump in and run with them.

vocatus atque non vocatus Deus aderit...

[–] MoreSnakesPlease 17 years ago

thanks! and I totally agree every scene is like a painting.

"Have you ever danced with a refrigerator?"

[–] robgranados 17 years ago

Your so correct as the previous thread said in relation every scene is like a painting. I sure hope you had a chance to rent the movie and take it in. My take on it is that Veronica came to the realization that Boris was not returning even though in the next scene she is waiting for him to meet her at the bridge. The picture that she saw when Stepan attempted to give her was a reality that she didn't want to accept yet. Accepting the picture was to accept the death of Boris and she was hoping he would be one of the returning soldiers that day of the celebration.

The giving away of the flowers to me was a show of support for everyone who had to forgo not having their loved ones with them during the war. I think she felt she was being selfish for not realizing this. When Stepan gave the speech on the train it solidified this feeling for her thus the giving of the flowers. My take on it......if that means anything. Take care Snake!

You are so right about the camera work!

[–] stelres 17 years ago

Originally saw this film in a tiny “art” house shortly after it’s first release to US movie theatres (probably late fifties). I’d never seen anything like it either! The visuals were truly breathtaking. All that running and swirling, up and down steps and across marshes that eventually lead to oblivion. The acting was amazing. I’d never seen such energy and physicality in actors. Or the way a wounded Boris spiraled down into a vision of his wedding to Veronica - one that would never take place. The sheer joy of it breaks your heart.

For a simple story it’s cram packed with subtleties. Every scene is so carefully crafted and yet, totally believable. Watching it that first time was like having all my bright hopes and romantic dreams crushed only to be resurrected as Veronica gives away her flowers. The effect was so powerful I was almost afraid to watch it again when it came out on DVD - fearful it wouldn’t be what I remembered. Those fears were totally groundless. Even now I find in this film as much about the amazing strength and reliance of the human spirit as I did that very first time. This film is truly a masterpiece.

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] 17 years ago

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[–] bga18 17 years ago

I disagree.

I think once the speech is given at the train station by Mark's friend, her realization starts to grow - and it's definitely well orchestrated and identifiable.

My opinion.

[–] pegasus8228 16 years ago

i also thought the ending was too abrupt.
but given that this is a soviet movie which has to bear the propaganda message (positive and rebuild the country and that), i wouldnt be surprised political reason caused some editing to that ending.

but then with a theme which overturned so much socialist/moralist taboos at the time, this movie was a masterpiece and earn more respect than the little flaw at the end.