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The Red Balloon (1956)

The Red Balloon (1956)
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Most of French director Albert Lamorisse's films celebrate the miracle of flight, but few were as landmark as his 1956 short subject The Red Balloon. The story, told with a minimum of dialogue, concerns a little boy (played by the director's son Pascal) who comes across a helium-filled balloon. As he plays with his new acquisition, the boy discovers that the balloon seemingly has a mind of its own. The little red orb follows its new "master" all through the streets of Paris, then dogs the boy's trail into the schoolroom, which drives the teacher to comic distraction. Towards the end, it seems as though boy and balloon will be parted forever....but director Lamorisse has a delightful surprise in store for us. In an unusual move, The Red Balloon in its American TV premiere was introduced by Ronald Reagan as an episode of the CBS anthology G.E. Theater on April 2, 1961. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Director(s):
Albert Lamorisse
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of The Red Balloon

Most of French director Albert Lamorisse's films celebrate the miracle of flight, but few were as landmark as his 1956 short subject The Red Balloon. The story, told with a minimum of dialogue, concerns a little boy (played by the director's son Pascal) who comes across a helium-filled balloon. As he plays with his new acquisition, the boy discovers that the balloon seemingly has a mind of its own. The little red orb follows its new "master" all through the streets of Paris, then dogs the boy's trail into the schoolroom, which drives the teacher to comic distraction. Towards the end, it seems as though boy and balloon will be parted forever....but director Lamorisse has a delightful surprise in store for us. In an unusual move, The Red Balloon in its American TV premiere was introduced by Ronald Reagan as an episode of the CBS anthology G.E. Theater on April 2, 1961. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
34 mins
Director(s):
Albert Lamorisse
Writer(s):
Albert Lamorisse
Producer(s):
Films Montsouris
Categories:
Family & Kids
The Red Balloon Awards:
  • 1956 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Specialized Film
  • 1956 - Cannes Film Festival - Palme d'Or for Short Film
  • 1956 - French Film Critics Circle - Prix Louis-Delluc
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Member Reviews
 
Stacy C.

I showed this movie to my elementary (PK-4th grade) French students, and they loved it! Although we watched it as part of an interlude before the holidays, I think it could easily be worked into a unit about emotions or colors. Each time I view this film, I notice something else that I missed previously, and the special effects are very impressive for the era in which it was filmed.

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Ann C.

What a magical film! Although I never saw it as a child, I'm happy to have caught up with it at last. Let's see... Pascal Lamorisse, the star, would probably be in his 50s by now. Wonder what happened to him after "The Red Balloon." In it, he helps us see Paris through his little boy's eyes. This movie makes me want to go back to the City of Light as soon as possible! A good follow-up to "Paris, Je T'Aime."

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Mario C.

Such a well-made, simple film! The Parisian backdrops alone are reason enough to watch this, the story is a bonus!! A small gem, a little masterpiece! Wonder why you don't point out on the 'Awards' section that this actually won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay in 1956?? That was a HUGE accomplishment!!

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