the cranes are flying

this is a beautiful russian film from 1957. beautiful music, beautiful cinematography, beautiful lead actress. jean-pierre jeunet borrowed a bit from this film in a very long engagement. it takes place during world war II. boris and veronica (he calls her squirrel!) are in love, but war breaks out and boris signs up so his creepy piano playing cousin won't have to go...at least that's what i gathered. it's a good story and is stunningly shot (some of it on a hand held camera). highly recommended.



may i also say that i am undyingly greatful for the criterion collection...they release amazing films which deserve the royal treatment that they are given. (plus they recognize wes anderson's genius if no one else will give him the respect he deserves) i have no idea how they pick the films, but all i can say is that i have never been disappointed with any of the films from the collection that i have watched. and they always have the best design! if i were rich (or at least making decent money!) i would attempt to collect everything they put out.