Watch The Red Balloon

The Red Balloon is a French short film that was released in 1956. The film, written and directed by Albert Lamorisse, is known for its simple yet heartwarming story and the iconic red balloon that serves as the protagonist of the film. The film starts with a young boy named Pascal, played by Pascal Lamorisse, walking to school on the streets of Paris. On his way, he notices a red balloon that is tied to a post. He unties the balloon and takes it with him to school. The rest of the students in his class are envious of the balloon, and Pascal is forced to leave the balloon outside the classroom when the teacher tells him to.

After school, Pascal goes to retrieve the balloon only to find out that it has been taken away by an elderly man who claims that it is his. Pascal follows the man into his apartment building, but the man disappears with the balloon into his apartment. Pascal is left outside the building, looking up at the window where he saw the man enter the building with the balloon.

The next day, Pascal is surprised to find the red balloon waiting for him outside the school gate. The balloon seems to have a mind of its own and follows Pascal around the city as he goes to different places, including a café where he eats, a church where he prays, and his home where he sleeps.

The story takes on a mystical quality, as the balloon takes on a life of its own, seemingly guiding Pascal through the city. The balloon also seems to have a personality of its own, at times playful and mischievous, and at other times, stoic and steadfast.

As the story progresses, Pascal becomes more and more attached to the balloon, and it becomes clear that the balloon is more than just an object to him. The red balloon becomes a symbol of hope and wonder, offering a sense of magic in an otherwise ordinary world.

The film's climax takes place during a parade, where Pascal is forced to make a difficult decision concerning the red balloon. The ending of the film is both bittersweet and hopeful, with a sense of loss and wonder.

The Red Balloon is a timeless film that captures the essence of childhood and the power of imagination. Despite its simplicity, the film manages to convey a powerful message about the importance of holding onto wonder and joy in our lives, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

The film's use of music and color is particularly notable, with the bright red of the balloon standing in contrast to the grey and brown of the urban landscape. The film also manages to convey a sense of the city's history and architecture, capturing the essence of Paris in the 1950s.

In conclusion, The Red Balloon is a classic piece of cinema that has stood the test of time. Its heartwarming story and iconic imagery have continued to inspire and captivate audiences for generations, making it a true masterpiece of cinema.

The Red Balloon is a 1956 comedy with a runtime of 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.