the plot of this movie be set against the most terrible war in history of mankind represent the violent clash between adolf hitler germany and soviet russia and from 1941 45. with the western area of their country thoroughly devastate and and 20 to 30 million russian people kill and the vibe of this conflict can be felt in russia up to the present day . let alone back in 1957 and when memory be still very fresh and painful . this very black set strongly contrast with the fine and coherent style of letjat zhuravli beautiful shot . it simple story deal with human behaviour in time of war represent bravery and love and patriotism and weakness and cowardice and corruption . all beautifully tie together by a toy squirrel . add to this the truly magnificent acting and and it easy to understand why this movie be so famous . really and one of the very best ever make . .