The Red Balloon
1956 [FRENCH]
Action / Comedy / Drama / Family / Fantasy

Plot summary
A young boy discovers a stray balloon, which seems to have a mind of its own, on the streets of Paris. The two become inseparable, yet the world’s harsh realities finally interfere.
Director
Top cast
Movie Reviews
Gorgeous short movie filled with colorful images , lively score , glamorous cinematography and enjoyable fantasy
Half-Hour Timeless, Almost Wordless Classic
I'm so glad in 2008 that Criterion made this beautiful film available on DVD with an excellent transfer. This is a famous very short film (half hour) in which a big red balloon follows a little boy everywhere he goes.
Finally, jealous kids bust the balloon, but in the end, other balloons around the city come to him and carry him away!
It all sounds a bit silly, but it works. It's a very charming, sometimes funny fantasy tale. Kids and adults alike seemed to have enjoyed this French movie over the years. It's now been around for a half century!
There is almost no dialog. The kid ("Pascal," played by Pascal Lamorisse) calls the balloon a few times and the other schoolchildren excitedly yell, but that's it for dialog.
In all, a classic film that stands by itself for originality and charm.