The Red Balloon

So, to the three people who read my blog...three including me (hahaha)...I want you guys to watch a short film (approx. 35 minutes long) called The Red Balloon by Albert Lamorisse. This is an old film that was released sometime in the 60's, and I have loved it since the first time I saw it so many years ago.

Because I'm lazy, here a the synopsis brought to you by Wikipedia (my best friend)

The film, which has a music score but almost no dialogue, tells of Pascal, who, on his way to school one morning, discovers a large helium-filled red balloon. As Pascal plays with his new found toy, he realizes the balloon has a mind and will of its own, and it begins to follow Pascal wherever he goes, at times floating outside his bedroom window as Pascal's grandmother won't allow it in the apartment. The red balloon follows Pascal through the streets of Paris, and the pair draw inquisitive looks from adults and the envy of other children as they wander the streets. At one point the balloon enters Pascal's schoolroom, causing an uproar from the other students. The noise alerts the principal, who becomes angry with Pascal and locks him up until school is over. At another, Pascal and his balloon encounter a little girl with a blue balloon that also seems to have a mind of its own. In their wanderings around the neighborhood, Pascal and the balloon encounter a gang of bullies, and they soon destroy his new friend. The film ends as the other balloons in Paris come to Pascal's aid and take him on a cluster balloon ride around the world.

To me, this film is a poignant symbolization of childhood innocence, and the hopes and dreams that come with being so naive. But slowly, Pascal's hopes and dreams, symoblized by the balloon, are attacked by a swarm of young boys who wish to catch the balloon and flatten it. What began as as playful conquest to catch the balloon soon turns into a violent chase for destruction. It illustrates the beauty of childhood dreams and highlights the creulty of those who try to destroy it. Utterly beautiful, simple and relatable. If you have never taken my advice before, take it now, because this film captures the ubiqutous nature of childhood naivety that we have all experienced before.

LN LU