Note: I was specifically looking for a movie that would warm my heart - this one seemed like a custom fit. Thank you Hulu Plus!
IMDB Entry: Le Ballon Rouge
Genre: Children, French
As a kid growing up in an average India middle class family, my source of entertainment (TV/movies) was the national television channel in India - Doordarshan :) Needless to say, I didn't really have a broad exposure to classic children's movies at the time (I think we made do with cartoons then?). Now I wish I had seen a movie, such as this one, then.
The good news is it is available to watch on YouTube (yay to Internet!):
The good news is it is available to watch on YouTube (yay to Internet!):
The Red Balloon is a funny, simple story of a red balloon (duh!) that is rescued by a little boy. The balloon dotes on the boy and follows him everywhere through the streets of Paris (to his school, church etc.) and they seem to form a bond that is the envy of the local kids. The kids get fascinated and want to destroy the balloon when it seems impossible to rip it apart from its owner (welcome to the real world! when you cant have it, destroy it). The climax is heartbreaking but also uplifting at the same time.
The camera work is exquisite. I am not familiar with Parisian streets, but it looks like the movie captures a very picturesque 1950's Paris - cobblestone streets, narrow alleys, victorian balconies, old school staircases, little bakeries with delectable pastries and baguettes. The kid - main protagonist in the movie - is charming and effortlessly carries the film with almost no dialogs spoken in the movie. The movie has a background score that brings out the mood in the film. The movie flows like an adventure - very well deserved Oscar for the screenplay. This movie is definitely a treat to watch - and a masterpiece for short movie making connoisseurs.
This movie is definitely recommended for young children (and as well for adults if you are looking for a short feel good film). It stands as a metaphor for hope, love, loyalty and devotion - something we rarely find these days. It is a little reminder that life is all about tiny treats. As kids, we hold on to some things dearly and never let go. Our devotion and love is genuine. It almost melts your heart to see the boy's mother throw the balloon out of the window but the balloon hangs in the air, by the side of the balcony, waiting for the little boy to reclaim it. I think that does dig up our own fond memories of things we possessed as a kid :)
This movie is like eating a warm toasted bread with melted butter on top. Now, who doesn't like that?:)
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