Der rote Ballon (Short 1956)

Der rote Ballon: Directed by Albert Lamorisse. With Pascal Lamorisse, Georges Sellier, Vladimir Popov, Paul Perey. A red balloon with a mind of its own follows a little boy around the streets of Paris.

“I wonder, is there any other 30 minute short produced in the history of film that is more enchanting and moving than u0026quot;Le Ballon rougeu0026quot;?u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe vivid colors and the wonderful use of Paris scenery is only part of the experience, another large part is the touching performance by the directoru0026#39;s six year old son Pascal in the lead (how lucky he didnu0026#39;t fall and break his neck in that opening scene where he finds the balloon!). The look on his face in the final scene is every bit as heartbreaking as that of Jackie Coogan in Chaplinu0026#39;s legendary u0026quot;The Kidu0026quot;. The whole movie is reminiscent of the best Chaplin had to offer, mixed with a little Jacques Tati and a touch of storybook fantasy. On the basis of only *one* *short* film Albert Lamorisse will forever see his name in gold print in the annals of movie history, which is quite an achievement!u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIt will tear your heart with joy, fascination, sorrow and spellbind you with jubilation in just 30 minutes! A true classic, well deserving of itu0026#39;s screenplay Oscar, only a demon could be cold enough in his heart to dislike it!u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eNow pleeeaaase; release it on DVD!”