The Red Balloon (Released by Janus Films, in association with the Criterion Collection)

The Red Balloon (Released by Janus Films, in association with the Criterion Collection) | Red Balloon | A delightful classic for any age

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The Red Balloon (R...

	The Red Balloon (Released by Janus Films, in association with the Criterion Collection) Red Balloon Janus Films, 2008 average customer review:based on 130 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

A Sentimental and Whimsical Classic

Interestingly, this film preceded "Old Yeller" by one year. As well as being enduring childhood classics, those two tales have certain themes in common, but whereas "Old Yeller" deals with a living creature, this tale breathes life into a normally inanimate object.
My first encounter with "Le Ballon Rouge" was when it was shown to my kindergarten class in the mid-70s. I had no idea until years later that by that time, it was nearly 20 years old. Its appeal, nonetheless, is timeless.
Using sparse dialogue, and Parisian locales, Director Albert Lamorisse presents the tale of a small boy (his son,Pascal)who finds a magical red balloon tied to a lamp post, and takes it home with him. Largely gray Paris gives the redness of the balloon an interesting and sharp onscreen contrast.
Like a faithful dog, the the air-filled sphere with a string follows him everywhere, often on its own, and with an occasional exception, waits for him outside places where it is not allowed to enter. It obeys its master's commands, attracts attention in public, and has a brief flirtation with a blue balloon of a similar caliber, owned by a pretty little girl (the director's daughter, Sabine).
But alas, the adventures of boy and balloon are abreviated due to a rowdy group of boys.But it is as though the balloon knew its time was short somehow, as if it knew it was meant to give its owner delight only for a little while and did so to the fullest. There would be other delightful times and other magical balloons, but always one special one that would be remembered fondly.
The little boy's heartbreak is happily short-lived in this sweet tale of friendship, loss, and renewal, and viewers may be left moved and satisfied, perhaps with a few sentimental tears.

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A delightful classic for any age

I've never tired of this charming short film. The cinematography is still amazing all these years later.

Exquisite

Had to buy the DVD to replace my own VHS cassette. I just love this film. I've watched it again and again since I was a child and it is sweepingly poignant every time.

The Red Ballon

Wonderful, wonderful ageless story. All children will relate to the lonely boy, whose friend is the "red ballon."

The Red Balloon

This was one of my favorite movies from my childhood -- actually, I was in Junior High Language Arts when I saw it. Now that I am a teacher, I can't wait to share it with my students!! I still get that same wonderful feeling at the end!!

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