The Red Balloon is a beautiful movie in every way. The story is magical, and so appealing to children and the child within us all. Who wouldn't love being chosen by a balloon? A balloon that obeyed us and stayed with us as we went about our day. Pascal is about six years old when the red balloon appears in his life. He is delighted by it, but also accepts the situation, as children do. In case you haven't seen it, I don't want to say much more about the story itself, but I do want to talk about the look of the movie. It takes place in Paris about ten years after WW II ended. The red balloon is a startling bit of color in a gray, stone city. Very few people wear bright colors. Children and adults are in mostly browns, blacks, and grays. I read that the setting is the Belleville area of Paris, which was in such bad shape that it was all torn down in the years after this movie was made. I thought I saw waste water draining away along the sidewalks. There were areas the young boy walked that were barren with uneven ground and holes. The stark setting made the balloon all the more miraculous.
The boy Pascal's real name is Pascal, and he is the son of the director, Albert Lamorisse. Part of the joy of The Red Balloon is the sense that maybe, just maybe, this could really happen. Wonderful, wonderful film which won many awards when it came out in 1956.
This movie is an offering for Paris In July.
I watched it on Netflix Instant, but it is also available on YouTube. It is only about 35 minutes long. You'll never forget it.
You know I've always meant to watch this and never have.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder!
xo,
pamela
And isn't it wonderful that it is so available.
DeleteGreat idea, Nan, to put up images of the Red Balloon for Paris in July. A lovely film -- I saw it when it first came out in the fifties, and have never forgotten that brilliant red balloon against the darker backgrounds of the day. Oh but Paris still looked beautiful in the 50's.
ReplyDeleteIt did. I actually found all the crumbling quite appealing. And those iron balconies with the windows opening out on them, and the cobble stone streets. I really love it all.
DeleteSaw this in high school about 1962 and loved it. It will be fun to see it again.
ReplyDeleteI saw it ages ago, but it was as fresh and new to me as ever. Such a wonderful movie.
DeleteI'm aaving this post to reerence next year when I participate ....I keep saying that I will but I am going to do Paris in July for sure!!!
ReplyDeleteAs one of the woman who runs it said, it is not too late to sign up. There are a lot of non-book things to do - the variety is great.
DeleteGood choice! We watched this recently, too!
ReplyDeleteYou did?!! Amazing.
DeleteNan,
ReplyDeleteI just watched a movie, my husband and I , that we both enjoyed so very much and I thought of you when I was watching it. It is "Daisies In December". Filmed in Cornwall and starring Joss Ackland and Jean Simmons, is is an excellent story, you would love it! Let me know if you have seen it!
I've never seen it, and it isn't at Netflix. I read the description and it sounds wonderful.
DeleteFirst time I hear of it, and it definitely sounds and looks worth watching!
ReplyDeleteOh, it is!! You'll love it.
DeleteIt really is a great film, quite magical, with stunning images.
ReplyDeleteEverything you said is so true.
DeleteWow, I have seen The Red Balloon in such a long time. Thanks for reminding me about it and for the YouTube connection. I just loved this when I originally watched it.
ReplyDeleteYou'll fall in love with it all over again!
DeleteI remember watching this as a child; And you know what? It still makes me want to fly.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I sure know what you mean. Ever been in a hot air balloon? Not sure I'd dare. I may like the idea of it more than the real thing. :<) Always love seeing your comments.
DeleteI've heard of this movie, but have never seen it. Thank you for the link so I could finally see what the acclaim was all about.
ReplyDeleteDid you watch it? Isn't it just so wonderful?!
DeleteThis movie sounds so lovely! I've never heard of The Red Balloon, but am intrigued. I shall hope to watch this on youtube to continue celebrating Paris in July. Thanks for your post.
ReplyDeleteI am quite sure you will love it.
DeleteI saw this when I was in elementary school. It was probably sometime between 1967 and 1972, as I think I was still fairly young. What fun to watch it as an adult. I'll have to pop over and watch it on YouTube. Thx!
ReplyDeleteIt is a wonderful, wonderful movie.
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