StunnaKrypto Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

Gutsycurene Fanciful, disturbing, and wildly original, it announces the arrival of a fresh, bold voice in American cinema.

ChanFamous I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

Erica Derrick By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

philcold2-614-250707 I first saw this movie when I was 7 years old, in France. It is now so far as 47 years. What a wonderful movie, who tells about love, envy, travel, incomprehension on behalf of the others, dreams of childhood, passion for our belongings, blindness of the adults and many more... I have never given a 10 for any movie. But I give it to this one, because it is the movie which gave me the desire to see movies. It is the movie which had created in me the passion for stories told with images and music. Life is so beautiful and the cinema gives to our lives still to take advantage of it, with a simple story to be told, so simple as that of that red balloon flying over our heads.

jc-osms I remember as a child being shown this as a short film entertainment between classes at my primary school and being beguiled by it even then. Watching it now as an adult, it still has a fascination which is hard to describe In mere words but the closest I can get to it is that it embodies the magic of cinema itself. The simplest of tales unfolds as an apparently friendless and unloved infant boy encounters a bright red balloon which appears to have a mind of its own, which becomes a lively adventure through the poorer parts of mid-50's Paris. The cinematography is wonderful, with characterful and colourful shots of the streets of the capital. One can read all types of symbolism at work here, the balloon as mischievous companion, or imaginary friend or even the spirit of adventure. Eventually the film ends with the lad's balloon-assisted escape from the gang of young bullies as he literally rises above his cares and flies away in a beautiful climax, which had to have influenced the creators of Pixar's "Up". This near-silent movie is at once a celebration of cinema and freedom from care and is as good a way to spend 30 minutes as you could get.

bts1984 This 34-minute fantasy short film is wonderful. It's almost incredible that it was made in 1956 because it's far from looking that old, partially because it's colored and partially because of its film-making. Looks more like something made in the 1970's than 11 years after the end of World War II. Ahead. The ingenuousness of this story captivates, but the way it is told is just as captivating. This isn't a silent tale however it has very little dialog. But it works. The wonderful music by Maurice Le Roux and the images speak for themselves.This is the lovely story of Pascal, a cute and adorable 5/6 year-old child who, while walking through the streets of good old Paris, finds an unexpected but very special friend: a red balloon with a life and mind of its own. The balloon quickly gets fond of his human friend, following him everywhere and patiently waiting for him whatever time it takes. The kid accepts his unusual new friend and together they spend time and have fun in the streets of Paris. The pair draw attentions from society (they don't seem to understand and accept their friendship). Worse is the envy of a group of bullies, who near the ending throw rocks at the innocent balloon. And then one of them intentionally stomps at the dying balloon, killing the poor balloon.The ending is rather childish but undeniably charming and magical: countless balloons come to Pascal and take him on a balloon ride over Paris. It's as if the balloons are taking Pascal to a fantasy world where balloons and children can be happy forever. It's amazing how they did these "tricks" with all those balloons in 1956 and so masterfully!Albert Lamorisse superbly directed this and his own children star in it: his son Pascal Lamorisse plays Pascal, while his daughter Sabine Lamorisse plays the little girl with a blue balloon (equally with a mind of its own). Pascal Lamorisse is magnificent in this role. So is the red balloon, a great "actor" on his own. And the other balloons too.The Paris scenario is very pretty and colorful, accenting the feeling of french charm. 95% of what we see here no longer exists. That is sad. So many good things are sacrificed in the name of progress.This short couldn't be more innocent and sweeter, and yet at the same time it is slightly humorous (in its majority it is) and sad (such is the case when the balloon is cruelly destroyed). It is also a powerful reminder of the age of innocence, when children were really children and were happy with the simple pleasures of life, such as a balloon and wandering around. I still remember when I was a kid and how I'd get so happy over a balloon whenever they bought me one. One simple thing like a balloon was something special. And I am from a time when children still could wander around in some safety. Nowadays you never see children wandering around and they don't appreciate balloons and many other things like the children of my generation and before my generation did.Anyone who loves this has got to love 'Clown' (1968), equally a short film and french and similar in some ways.Title in Portugal: unknown, but it would make every sense to be 'O Balão Vermelho'.

Tim Kidner A friend recommended Pixar's "Up" to me recently. He said that he thought it had a world cinema 'flavour' to it.When he then said of that film's plot, I immediately said that it sounded exactly like Albert Lamorisse's The Red Balloon. He was intrigued, perplexed.Watching Red Balloon - one half of a Lamorisse DVD, the other being 'White Mane' - directly after 'Up', the similarities echoed ever more. About how when cornered and facing certain 'death' whether that be balloon or small French boy, a last bid for freedom is at least a dream, or even a prayer. 'God', you might say, 'get me out of here' and....well, you can fill that picture in yourselves.Anyway, back to the almost dialogue-free story. Being somewhat sceptical about having small children being a bit twee and 'Ahh' being sighed audibly by (stereotypically, on my half, admittedly) every elderly schoolmistress across the land as said big, red floaty object follows the boy around like a lovesick puppy.Scorn indeed, but a living, breathing Paris, in the early morning sunshine, along with occasional views of familiar landmarks keeps one keen to see where Mr floaty balloon will float to next. If, like me, you're also probably trying to catch out who and what is controlling this meandering object. "Are there strings attached when watching this DVD?"The film does have charm and is short enough not to have felt that too much of one's valuable life has been used to see it. This was my fourth viewing and I saw bits I hadn't before and the ending is really one of those that will rekindle faith and humanity into the coldest of hearts. Including slightly scornful and sceptical ones like me!