The Red Balloon
Seen it?1956 | 34 min | Comedy, Drama, Family, Fantasy
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (96% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it won an Oscar. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh, fantasy fans and families. If you loved The Hunchback of Notre Dame, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart, feel-good.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 34 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Made in 1956: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
96% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.7 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Oscar: Best Writing, Original Screenplay. Won 1 Cannes award: Short Film Palme d'Or. Plus 1 other award.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$49K worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 69K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Albert Lamorisse
- Pascal LamorissePascal, the Little Boy
- Georges SellierThe Irritated Schoolmaster
- Vladimir PopovA Tenant
- Paul PereyPascal's Father
- Renée MarionPascal's Mother
- Sabine LamorisseLittle Girl with Blue Balloon
- Michel Pezin
- RenaudA Twin in Red
- David SéchanA Twin in Red