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Japanese movie poster Japanese movie poster for the classic 1956 French short film The Red Balloon (Le Ballon rouge). The film, written and directed by Albert Lamorisse, tells the poignant story of a young Parisian boy, played by Lamorisse's son Pascal, who befriends a seemingly sentient red balloon.
Key Information
Director/Writer: Albert Lamorisse
Starring: Pascal Lamorisse as the boy, with a brief appearance by his sister Sabine Lamorisse
Synopsis: Set in the drab streets of post-World War II Ménilmontant, Paris, a lonely boy finds a magical red balloon that follows him like a loyal friend. The pair's friendship and adventures lead to conflict with a gang of jealous boys, culminating in the balloon's destruction and a magical, uplifting finale where all of Paris's balloons come to the boy's rescue.
Awards: The film won numerous awards, including the Palme d'Or for Best Short Film at the 1956 Cannes Film Festival and an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. It is the only short film ever to win a competitive Oscar in a major category like Best Original Screenplay.
Themes: The almost wordless film is celebrated for its poetic depiction of childhood innocence, imagination, loneliness, and freedom, contrasted with the harsh realities of the adult world and the cruelty of others. |
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