The Red Balloon
Le Ballon rouge
France • 1956
Director
Synopsis
Rarely has the spirit of childhood been evoked as exquisitely as in this Academy Award–winning cinematic fable, a fantasy with the texture of reality. On the streets of 1950s Paris, a young boy (played by director Albert Lamorisse’s son, Pascal) is launched on a miraculous adventure when he’s playfully pursued by a shiny red balloon that seems to have a mind of its own—until the harsh realities of the world interfere, setting the stage for a deeply moving finale. Shot in beautifully muted Technicolor, this beguiling allegory of innocence and transcendence has inspired generations of viewers to let their imaginations take flight.
Synopsis
Rarely has the spirit of childhood been evoked as exquisitely as in this Academy Award–winning cinematic fable, a fantasy with the texture of reality. On the streets of 1950s Paris, a young boy (played by director Albert Lamorisse’s son, Pascal) is launched on a miraculous adventure when he’s playfully pursued by a shiny red balloon that seems to have a mind of its own—until the harsh realities of the world interfere, setting the stage for a deeply moving finale. Shot in beautifully muted Technicolor, this beguiling allegory of innocence and transcendence has inspired generations of viewers to let their imaginations take flight.
Part of Box Set
Credits
Crew
DirectorAlbert Lamorisse
WriterAlbert Lamorisse
CinematographerEdmond Séchan
ComposerMaurice Le Roux
EditorPierre Gillette
ProducerAlbert Lamorisse
Cast
Pascal Lamorisseas Pascal, the Little Boy
Georges Sellieras The Irritated Schoolmaster
Vladimir Popovas A Tenant
Paul Pereyas Pascal's Father