The Red Balloon (1956)

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Directed by Albert Lamorisse.

Starring Pascal Lamorisse.

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 without 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, All Movie Guide

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Reviews and discussions

Stay balloon, stay! Good balloon.
by mrbuckyk in mrbuckyk Blog

loved it.

Was this review helpful? [Be the first to tell us!]
"How did I ever miss this film. So amazingly childlike in its wonderment. 34 minutes of silent film and just brimming with emotions. I loved it. Whimsical modern fairy tale. I was amazed at how they handled the balloon. I bet it was a frustrating shoot trying to control the balloon. The color schemes were amazing. Everything but the balloon was a muted grey/brown palette and then you have this gorgeous red balloon in contrast... brilliant. Fantastic film. the main actor was actually the writer/director's son and he did a great job. What little dialog they did use was in French and even though they weren't nay subtitles, you didn't need them. Awesome. " [More]

Re:Help to find a missing film
by laststarfighter in missing a film

is neutral about it.

"There was this film I saw for a high school class that nobody I ask, seems to recall.It was filmed in about the sixties (I'm pretty sure of it), and it must of been set somewhat in the future or on another planet quite simular to earth. Either there was something funky with the location of the planet or it was the weather, but the sun was only came out every Four (or maybe more) years or so for a few hours. There were these kids playing out at recess, and there was this one that was more excited than the rest of them to see the sun because they were the only one that remembered what it had looked like... Long story short, he was (atleast, I think it was a he) locked in a closet inside the school and completely missed the viewing of the sun and disconinutation of rainfall. Yes! it was also very rainy wherever, they were located. can't remember what it was...the style was very RED BALOON-ESQUE. Anyone know? " [More]

Re:Re: Films that deserve the C ...
by JakeStevens in Criterion Collection

loved it.

"There are 4 films I believe are crying out for the Criterion treatment:First, there's "The Red Balloon", a seminal film (I'd first seen it in kindergarden) that I'd recently purchased via some Korean import. Needless to say, the transfer is heartbreaking - it looks like a home movie projected onto a blanket hanging on the wall - you can almost hear the whir of the projecctor.Next, Gregory Peck's "The Snows Of Kilimanjaro" was nominated in 1953 for the Best Color Cinematography Oscar, but you'd never guess is judging from the various "Dollar Double Feature" DVDs hanging out at Wal-Greens all over the country. I think I've managed to find the best transfer out there (thanks Treasure Box), but it's still downright laughable. My uncle loved this film and I've watched this many times over the years thanks to him, but I really wish I could see it how he saw it back when it had it's theatrical run.Tom Waits' 1987 concert film "Big Time" is one I' ... " [More]

Desperately Deserves The Criter ...
by JakeStevens in JakeStevens Blog

loved it.

Was this review helpful? [Be the first to tell us!]
"I recall seeing this in grade school (possibly kindergarden) and becoming completely enrapt in the story of this little boy and his wonderful red balloon, and I was so into the story that when the film was done, I was crying my eyes out. This was a powerful movie that has stayed with me throughout the years, and one that should really not ever be forgotten. It's a piece of genius, and the terrible state that the film is currently in is atrocious. Some might argue it's quaint and charming the way it is now, but I disagree. It would be fantastic to see this film in it's original vibrant Technicolor beauty, surely the way audiences in 1956 saw it. A classic for all ages, and even though it's technically a French film, there's little to no dialogue, so it's universal in its appeal. I give this short film the highest accolades I can. " [More]

Help to find a missing film
by Puhnner in missing a film

hasn't rated it.

"How many times I have thought of a film and remembered only bits and pieces and if you know anything about the unreliability of Memory http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_ releases/2005-03/du-ems030805. php ; http://www.amazon.com/Eyewitne ss-Testimony-new-preface-autho r/dp/0674287770/ref=pd_bbs_sr_ 1/105-8380071-7184419?ie=UTF8& amp;s=books&qid=1173130812 &sr=1-1 then you are well aware, wait!!! your memory is probably swell! then you know that it is my memory that is questionableIn a recent discussion with xxchunkyxx718 about a missing film, here are a couple of synopses begging for a title... ( here is hoping that 'Wisdom of the Crowds' is just that)1. the movie is domestic, i'm gearing towards it being in the drama section or some sort of drama/family. It was made before 1995 I know that much and as far as my memory goes, the movie is about a girl and an older man who is sort of like an outcast in their town or villiage, this girl goes to this man and tries to ... " [More]

Review by All Movie Guide

All Movie Guide

loved it.

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. Starring Lamorisse's winsome son, Pascal Lamorisse, and the most expressive crimson helium and rubber object ever, Le Ballon Rouge's tale about a boy and his eponymous object is a touching fable of friendship and loss, as the balloon takes it upon itself to join the boy in his daily activities. Floating along with the boy, the balloon wreaks comic havoc on the boy's daily routine, and moves lyrically through his Paris neighborhood; their seemingly doomed adventures reach a magical conclusion that caps the film's visual beauty. A prize winner at Cannes and the New York Film Critics Circle's Best Foreign Film, Le Ballon Rouge even enchanted the Academy enough to win the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, a rare honor for a short (not to mention foreign and dialogue-free) film, and a testament to its durable, fanciful charm. ~ Lucia Bozzola, All Movie Guide

Tags: balloon , childhood , friendship , imagination , loneliness
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