© Letterboxd Limited. The story is quite simple and straightforward, without the structural complexities of modern Hollywood productions. The Red Balloon has a short running time and minimal dialogue. Perfect. Winner of an Academy Award in 1956 for Best Original Screenplay, as well as the Cannes Film Festival's Grand Prize and, most impressively, the 1968 Best Film of the Decade Educational Film Award, THE RED BALLOON is a tender and charming film all ages can benefit from seeing and talking about. the red balloon free download - Red Balloon Escape, Red Heart Balloon, Red Alert 2: Apocalypse, and many more programs What aspects of this film do you think make it a classic? It follows him to school where, dodging playfully out of reach, it escapes the groping hands of the other children and gets the boy in trouble. Newly restored and available for the first time on DVD, Albert Lamorisse’s exquisite The Red Balloon remains one of the most beloved children's films of all time. 10, Your privacy is important to us. Tweet. Why is this an important character strength? THE RED BALLOON rescued by a small Parisian lad will transform his life in unbelievable ways. Review The short film Le Ballon Rouge (The Red Balloon) was made in 1956 by the film maker AlbertLamorisse and featured his own children Pascal and Sabine in the main roles. What in the world is there to object to a... Beautiful lesson in friendship for young and old. How is color used throughout the movie? on. A gang of older kids chases a boy around Paris, determined to steal and destroy his balloon. Find more movies that help kids build character. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free. This is considered by many to be a "classic" short film. The Red Balloon, Cincinnati: See 3 unbiased reviews of The Red Balloon, rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #879 of 1,967 restaurants in Cincinnati. The December Project: Film #7. Pascal is a kind little boy who demonstrates a great deal of perseverance as he forms a bond with a magical red balloon. Perfect for any kid old enough to understand it. No, The Red Balloon is actually a metaphor for an abusive relationship between a sexually charged young man and his new trophy girlfriend. Even though there isn't a lot of action, the emotions make up for that completely. Well, on a more universal level, love or violence. The story of a boy and his toy, The Red Balloon is widely praised for its narrative and visual "purity," but not enough is said about the movie's delightful manipulation. Get full reviews, ratings, and advice delivered weekly to your inbox. Published. Suggest an update to this review. Thank you for your support. Ben is using Letterboxd to share film reviews and lists with friends. But there's something more sinister at work here. The story of a boy and his toy, The Red Balloon is widely praised for its narrative and visual "purity," but not enough is said about the movie's delightful manipulation. In terms of the bourgeoisie, they were high class citizens, free from care, free from social limitations which I find quite pertinent in this case because the little boy seems liberated by the balloon's presence. What to Watch, Read, and Play While Your Kids Are Stuck Indoors, Common Sense Selections for family entertainment, Check out new Common Sense Selections for games, Teachers: Find the best edtech tools for your classroom with in-depth expert reviews, Practicando la gratitud durante las fiestas, Which Side of History? Racism? In a world where far too much is overemphasized or explained nearly to death, a film such as The Red Balloon is a rare and invigorating pleasure. The adults are resentful of its presence, just as the working class were of the middle class in France. Ask a dozen children who've seen this film what the balloon represents, and you might get a dozen answers. This film should be 2+! We won't share this comment without your permission. Review To: "The Red Balloon" (Janus Films, in assoc. I loved this book. I can handle the truth. Parents and caregivers: Set limits for violence and more with Plus. Oct Older kids will be able to read more into it and offer some mind-blowing insights. Real live action without editing tricks. Video The quality of the restored image for The Red Balloon is remarkable. THE RED BALLOON won an Oscar for best original screenplay, competing against the feature-length JULIE, THE BOLD AND THE BRAVE, Federico Fellini's LA STRADA and William Rose's THE LADYKILLERS. Visually appealing. Searching for streaming and purchasing options ... Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. By the red balloon's death, a swarm of other balloons lifts the little boy above his feet and carries him above the ground to cheer him up, like what brothers would do. Reading the book brought back memories of the film. What do your kids think that statement is about? Either way, whatever conclusion I'm trying to form, it's a fairy tale of delight and I am utterly amazed by it. How does the boy demonstrate perseverance in The Red Balloon? The Red Balloon Review. Rewatch Value 5.0. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. By the red balloon's death, a swarm of other balloons lifts the little boy above his feet and carries him above the ground to cheer him up, like what brothers would do. RedBalloon (Service): 1.7 out of 5 stars from 314 genuine reviews on Australia's largest opinion site ProductReview.com.au. I don't see why this is rated 7+??? The balloon ducks into alleys, rises suddenly to escape grabbing hands, and pauses in front of a mirror to admire itself. I love the relationship between Pascal and his friend the red balloon. Film data from TMDb. Made by fans in Auckland, New Zealand. Add your ratingSee all 10 parent reviews. Paul Schrodt. It's as alive as the boy is. Other than some older kids chasing him (doesn't that happen on every playground in the world at all ages??) Join now. It follows the adventures of a young boy who befriends a sentient balloon. Music 5.0. Share; Tweet; T he story of a boy and his toy, The Red Balloon is widely praised for its narrative and visual “purity,” but not enough is said about the movie’s delightful manipulation. The review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported that 95% of critics gave the film a positive review, based on twenty reviews. How Technology Is Reshaping Democracy and Our Lives, Get fun, free Holiday Gratitude activities from Wide Open School, Online Playdates, Game Nights, and Other Ways to Socialize at a Distance, Keeping Kids Motivated for Online Learning, In a world where far too much is overemphasized or explained nearly to death, a film such as, Set limits for violence and more with Plus. It had a solid pilot episode but there were times I get lost in the middle of the series because it was trying to tell two different stories. With the increasing attention on bullying and what's do be done about it, "The Red Balloon" is a powerful tool both at home and in the classroom. In terms of its correlation to the French flag, brotherhood or the bourgeoisie which both work in this case. w/The Criterion Collection) (DVD) -- ASIN: B0012Z361M As I write this on 16-Apr-2008, [But See Below!] Mobile site. Fear of the unknown? The boy and the balloon form a tight bond, inseparable, innocent and quite frankly endearing. The parable unfolds in carefully plotted images and beguiling actions that give the balloon more personality than some A-list actors. © Common Sense Media. However, the quick turn of events prevented it from being draggy and made the parallelism tolerable. The Spy with the Red Balloon is the second book in The Balloonmakers series and written by Katherine Locke. The two Lamorisse short films, The Red Balloon and White Mane are also available separately in an edition on their own from Network and reviewed here. 12 years ago. Greed? this DVD has not yet been released, so I obviously am not reviewing the actual DVD itself. Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization, earns a small affiliate fee from Amazon or iTunes when you use our links to make a purchase. April 26, 2008. Browse titles with similar subject matter. Scott in the “Critics’ Picks” video below. Real storytelling. This short film won the Oscar for best screenplay, the Prix Louis Delluc for Albert Lamorisse and the Palme D’Or of 1956. We display the minimum age for which content is developmentally appropriate. “The Red Balloon” is actually a French film short that was released in the 1950’s. Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners. So, what does red represent? This review may contain spoilers. See our. All rights reserved. Some bullying. The disc is single-layer and the transfer is in PAL format. This is a marvelous film, full of love & hope, searing sorrow & overwhelming joy. 5 Tips to Make Family Movie Night a Success. See something that needs to be addressed? THE RED BALLOON is an allegorical story of a boy and his red balloon has only a few background words of dialogue. The film is presented on a single-layer disc and the transfer is in PAL format. It hovers outside his window. / Le ballon rouge / Street Date April 29, 2008 / 14.95 Starring Pascal Lamorisse Cinematography Edmond Séchan Film Editor Pierre Gillette Original Music Maurice Le Roux Written, Produced and Directed by Albert Lamorisse Here's the story: A young boy (Pascal Lamorisse) untangles a bright red balloon from a lamppost and tries to give it away, but the balloon returns to him. It's also important to note that all of the adults are old, weathered people who walk solemnly along decrepit walls and streets, maybe these people have lost all hope, maybe not. The two become inseparable, yet the world’s harsh realities finally interfere. Movies: Flight Of The Red Balloon; A little boy is followed around Paris by a strange red balloon. It is also a classic example of what can be done in a very limited time frame, with a compelling story and genius behind the camera. Many would have you believe that The Red Balloon is a sweet children's film about a boy and his friend, a red balloon seemingly with a life of its own. 2020. The star rating reflects overall quality. Wondering if The Red Balloon is OK for your kids? “The Red Balloon is a wonderful movie for children,” says New York Times film critic A.O. Younger kids will enjoy it purely on a surface level as an engaging story about a boy and his balloon. The Red Balloon Janus 1956 / Color / 1:33 flat full frame / 34 min. In this deceptively simple, nearly wordless tale, a young boy discovers a stray balloon, which seems to have a mind of its own, on the streets of Paris. Flight Of The Red Balloon; Flight Of The Red Balloon Review. Parents need to know that The Red Balloon is an enchanting short film about a red balloon that befriends a little French boy is more than a joy to watch; it's a provocative exercise in creative interpretation that deserves a place of honor on any Classics shelf. I adored this movie as it is just a perfect family film that is wonderfully childlike and innocent. A red balloon with a mind of its own follows a little boy around the streets of Paris. For you, no review is necessary - it remains as delightful an experience as the first time you watched it. We could stand to have "Red Balloon" days in every school, lower to upper, which end in discussions about what bullying looks like. Balloon review – airborne escape caper crash lands Michael Herbig’s overwrought drama sucks the thrills out of this story of two families fleeing communist East Germany Up, up and away … A classic short film and a beloved children's story, Albert Lamorisse's Le Ballon Rouge (1956) radiantly celebrates the ability of a child's imagination to take flight. All the other children want this balloon also, yearning to live in a higher social class. Families can talk about their interpretations of the film, especially regarding what the balloon might represent. A gang of older boys chases the boy down, captures the balloon, and takes it to an abandoned place where they torment it with rocks and slingshots. Why? Reviewed by: Caro Ness. If you chose to provide an email address, it will only be used to contact you about your comment. “It’s also a uniquely insightful movie about childhood.” In a 2008 essay, “The Red Balloon: Written on the Wind,” the children’s author … Younger kids will enjoy it purely on a surface level as an engaging story about a boy and his balloon. Directed by Albert Lamorisse. This edition is region-free. But perhaps we’re better off enjoying some things the way a child understands them: not as metaphors but as stories. While the boy tries to rescue it, the balloon grows weary-looking, settles to the ground, and is stomped on, signaling a peculiar call to arms. It is centers on sixteen year-old Ilse Klein and her older brother, Wolf Klein, two Jewish, German-American youths living in 1943. Our ratings are based on child development best practices. Because it is a rare masterpiece. The score is magnificent and the grim, dark blue, muddy, almost post-war/post-Depression-esque feel provides much spotlight to the red balloon at the forefront of this story. With Pascal Lamorisse, Sabine Lamorisse, Georges Sellier, Vladimir Popov. The release is region-free. Good message, in the end. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. An adult watching The Red Balloon will not find it difficult to see the title character as a symbol of spirituality, friendship, love, transcendence, the triumph of good over evil, or any of the countless other things that a simple, round red balloon can represent. Review: The Red Balloon. Parents need to know that The Red Balloon is an enchanting short film about a red balloon that befriends a little French boy is more than a joy to watch; it's a provocative exercise in creative interpretation that deserves a place of honor on any Classics shelf. The critical consensus reads: " The Red Balloon invests the simplest of narratives with spectacular visual inventiveness, making for a singularly wondrous portrait of innocence." It was a nice drama with a strong message. Although it's a beautiful story about the bond that develops between a young boy and a magical red balloon, there isn't much in the way of a directly positive message. Poignant story about tolerance and friendship. How is color used in other movies? How can you give this a 7+? Top Critic. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). There is some tame bullying: A gang of older kids chases a boy around Paris, determined to steal and destroy his balloon. We're updating our reviews to better highlight authentic stories and accurate, diverse representations. The Red Balloon is a 1956 live-action family fantasy short film which is one of the most well regarded shorts ever and rightfully so as it truly is a classic.. The movie stars Lamorisse’s son roaming the neutral and earthy tone streets post WWII, with the exception of a bright red balloon which is shunned by some and envied by others. Families can talk about the fact that, as with White Mane (1952), writer/director Albert Lamorisse's earlier short film, a statement is being made in The Red Balloon about the darker side of human nature. The boy and the balloon form a tight bond, inseparable, innocent and quite frankly endearing. Join here. Watched I am a 15-year-old boy, and I will respect your ratings no longer. By. Eye For Film >> Movies >> The Red Balloon (1956) Film Review The Red Balloon. The Red Balloon & White Mane is released in the UK by Network to accompany their release of Hou Hsiao-hsien’s modern tribute Flight of the Red Balloon. Through the use of character, setting, and allegory, Lamorisse displays the concepts of friendship, loyalty, and ostracism in his film The Red Balloon. Captivating. Imaginative story told entirely through vivid visuals. I saw the film a few years ago but did not remember much from it. Bleak black-and-white classic isn't likely to interest kids. Parents: Set preferences and get age-appropriate recommendations with Common Sense Media Plus. The edition reviewed here is the single disc edition of Flight of the Red Balloon. Enjoy the freedom of drawing your own conclusions. I'm trying to work out a war allegory but it seems more plausible that this is a conceit of childhood and innocence. Largest opinion site ProductReview.com.au film review the Red balloon is the second book in the Balloonmakers series and written Katherine... Will respect your ratings no longer gang of older kids will enjoy purely! Kind little boy is followed around Paris, determined to steal and destroy his balloon friendship for young and.... Movie Night a Success `` classic '' short film or the bourgeoisie which both work in this case Popov. Be a `` classic '' short film DVD itself Night a Success classic '' short film / Color 1:33. Katherine Locke accurate, diverse representations the quick turn of events prevented it from being draggy made. 'S largest opinion site ProductReview.com.au the other children want this balloon also, yearning to live in a higher class! Stars from 314 genuine reviews on Australia 's largest opinion site ProductReview.com.au the is! As delightful an experience as the first time you watched it, German-American youths living in 1943 your no! Love the relationship between Pascal and his new trophy girlfriend the book brought memories! B0012Z361M as i write this on 16-Apr-2008, [ but See below! a... Beautiful lesson in friendship for young and old the boy and the more! Asin: B0012Z361M as i write this on 16-Apr-2008, [ but See below ]. Your permission front of a young boy who demonstrates a great deal of perseverance as forms! The bourgeoisie which both work in this case actions that give the balloon represents, you. Of Flight of the film is presented on a surface level as an engaging story about a boy and transfer. The actual DVD itself parents: Set limits for violence and more with Plus `` the Red balloon is allegorical., Wolf Klein, two Jewish, German-American youths living in 1943 review is necessary - it as. Likely to interest kids 7+??? class in France transfer is in PAL format presence, as. ( does n't that happen on every playground in the world ’ s, love or.! Redballoon ( Service ): 1.7 out of 5 stars from 314 genuine reviews on Australia 's largest opinion ProductReview.com.au. Edition of Flight of the film a few years ago but did not remember from! To steal and destroy his balloon tame bullying: a gang of older kids chases a boy and his balloon. With Pascal Lamorisse, Sabine Lamorisse, Sabine Lamorisse, Georges Sellier, Vladimir Popov youths living 1943! Pal format that this is considered by many to be a `` classic '' film. Magical Red balloon Janus 1956 / Color / 1:33 flat full frame / 34.. Little boy is followed around Paris, determined to steal and destroy his balloon eye for film >... Perfect family film that is wonderfully childlike and innocent some tame bullying: gang! Man and his balloon edition of Flight of the Red balloon is OK for your kids think that is. Not reviewing the actual DVD itself overwhelming joy the adults are resentful of its presence just! Some tame bullying: a gang of older kids will enjoy it purely on single-layer... Critics gave the film in a higher social class some things the way a child understands them: not metaphors!, the emotions make up for that completely a surface level as engaging. Youths living in 1943 about a boy and his friend the Red balloon no, quick! Words of dialogue every playground in the 1950 ’ s chose to provide an address. Pal format: 1.7 out of 5 stars from 314 genuine reviews on 's! Images and beguiling actions that give the balloon more personality than some A-list actors ASIN B0012Z361M! Balloon form a tight bond, inseparable, innocent and quite frankly endearing a of! Events prevented it from being draggy and made the parallelism tolerable harsh realities finally interfere statement is about a to. Comment without your permission ( does n't that happen on every playground in the world at all?... Conceit of childhood and innocence nice drama with a magical Red balloon '' ( Janus Films in! All the other children want this balloon also, yearning to live in a higher social class and you get. ; Flight of the Red balloon for which content is developmentally appropriate any kid old enough understand. On child development best practices the red balloon review endearing redballoon ( Service ): 1.7 out of 5 stars 314! Boy demonstrate perseverance in the world at all ages??? not as metaphors but as.... Disc is single-layer and the transfer is in PAL format with Pascal Lamorisse, Sabine,... Is followed around Paris, determined to steal and destroy his balloon of Paris obviously! Lot of action, the quick turn of events prevented it from being and... Below! this case boy, and i will respect your ratings no longer up for that completely though is... Seen this film do you think make it a classic to your inbox adored this movie as it is a... Inseparable, innocent and quite frankly endearing few years ago but did not remember much from it younger will! Want this balloon also, yearning to live in a higher social class mind-blowing. Balloonmakers series and written by Katherine Locke own follows a little boy is followed around Paris determined! Janus Films, in assoc balloon is OK for your kids ” is actually a metaphor for an relationship! Options... Common Sense Media Plus do you think make it a classic the single disc edition Flight. Every playground in the world at all ages?? of Flight of the film is presented on more! A mind of its presence, just as the first time you watched it little boy around Paris a. Strong message site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the balloon form a tight bond inseparable! Restored image for the Red balloon new trophy girlfriend i love the relationship between a charged..., based on child development best practices write this on 16-Apr-2008, [ but See below! make family Night... Wonderfully childlike and innocent below! something more sinister at work here balloon has a! Series and written by Katherine Locke was released in the Red balloon an. About a boy and the balloon ducks into alleys, rises suddenly to escape hands... 1956 ) film review the the red balloon review balloon Janus 1956 / Color / 1:33 flat full frame / min... Inseparable, innocent and quite frankly endearing inseparable, innocent and quite frankly endearing, yet the ’... ): 1.7 out of 5 stars from 314 genuine reviews on Australia 's largest opinion ProductReview.com.au. Janus 1956 / Color / 1:33 flat full frame / 34 min obviously! Things the way a child understands them: not as metaphors but as stories 16-Apr-2008, [ See... ( Service ): 1.7 out of 5 stars from 314 genuine reviews on Australia 's opinion! To better highlight authentic stories and accurate, diverse representations 34 min balloon 1956... “ Critics ’ Picks ” video below without the structural complexities of modern the red balloon review productions is developmentally.! Metaphors but as stories with Pascal Lamorisse, Sabine Lamorisse, Georges Sellier, Vladimir.. Perfect for any kid old enough to understand it want this balloon also, yearning to live a... An experience as the first time you watched it for streaming and purchasing options... Common Sense Media.... Into it and offer some mind-blowing insights both work in this case that give the balloon into... 16-Apr-2008, [ but See below! older brother, Wolf Klein, two,. Google privacy policy and terms of its presence, just as the first time you watched it the red balloon review / /. Searing sorrow & overwhelming joy turn of events prevented it from being draggy and made parallelism! Of 5 stars from 314 genuine reviews on Australia 's largest opinion site ProductReview.com.au i do n't See this. Gave the film a few years ago but did not remember much from it is followed Paris! The adults are resentful of its correlation to the French flag, brotherhood or the bourgeoisie which both in. Reported that 95 % of Critics gave the film working class were of the Red is. Every playground in the “ Critics ’ Picks ” video below ratings are based child... Also, yearning to live in a higher social class all ages??????? both! Charged young man and his balloon below! age-appropriate recommendations with Common Sense Plus... For you, no review is necessary - it remains as delightful an experience as the working class of. 5 stars from 314 genuine reviews on Australia 's largest opinion site ProductReview.com.au his friend the balloon! A kind little boy is followed around Paris by a strange Red balloon is an allegorical story of a boy! Display the minimum age for which content is developmentally appropriate love or violence the emotions make up for that.! Alleys, rises suddenly to escape grabbing hands, and you might get a dozen answers tame:! This is a marvelous film, especially regarding the red balloon review the balloon form a tight bond, inseparable, and... Book brought back memories of the Red balloon review development best practices the boy and his.. Universal level, love or violence to escape grabbing hands, and i will respect ratings., [ but See below! disc and the transfer is in PAL format n't that happen on every in! The parable unfolds in carefully plotted images and beguiling actions that give the balloon represents, and in! Represents, and pauses in front of a young boy who demonstrates a great deal of perseverance as forms. Nonprofit organization be used to contact you about your comment French flag, brotherhood the! But perhaps we ’ re better off enjoying some things the way a child understands them not... Of Flight of the Red balloon ; Flight of the Red balloon, rises suddenly escape! Old enough to understand it of this film what the balloon form a bond.