Woodyanders A forlorn little boy (a charming performance by Pascal Lamorisse) finds a new friend in the unlikely form of a bright red balloon that appears to have a vivacious life and mischievous personality of its own.Writer/director Albert Lamorisse brilliantly uses the deceptively simple premise as an utterly enchanting allegory on the awestruck wonder of childhood, the cynical indifference of the adult world to said wonder, and the tremendous indomitable spirit of anything and everything that chooses to embrace life instead of take it for granted. Moreover, this short's key triumph is the remarkably convincing way it manages to present the red balloon as a believably alive and free-spirited entity; the scenes with the red balloon following the little boy around like a loyal loving dog are a joy to behold. The ending with all the balloons whisking the little boy away into the sky is positively heartwarming. The gray rain-soaked locations serve as a neat contrast to the merry and magical mood. Edmond Sechan's vibrant color cinematography and Maurice La Roux's jaunty score both further enhance the overall sterling quality of this total treat.

Horst in Translation ([email protected]) This is an almost 60-year-old live action short film which runs for 35 minutes and won a Screenplay Academy Award, actually the only short film that managed this achievement. It's written and directed by Albert Lamorisse and features two of his kids including his son as the human lead character. The real star of the film is the balloon though. The most memorable thing about this slightly more than half an hour was the contrast between gray Paris and the bright red balloon. Still, I have to say I didn't really see anything unique or particularly memorable in here and I am a bit surprised that this short is so well-received till this day. Basically all we see is a little boy who goes through town with his balloon, occasionally loses it, but gets it back, while a couple other kids and adults try to grab the balloon as well. Maybe he is synonymous with some kind of hope and the metaphor for bringing more brightness into their lives. The ending was pretty spectacular, but in terms of the story I have to say it did not win me over either. The scene I liked the most was probably when the girl with her blue balloon meets the protagonist. This would have made a nice ending too, maybe watching the two leave together with their balloons before the closing credits roll in. Anyway, I was very much underwhelmed by this short movie. Not recommended.

OllieSuave-007 I saw this short film in my 1st year French class in high school. I don't remember much from the film, only that it is a story about a young boy who follows a red balloon, which has a mind of its own, around where ever it goes, or the balloon follows the boy around wherever he goes.There is no spoken dialog in the film, except on a few occasions where the boy utters "Balloon, Balloon!" It is a somewhat adorable little film, but very awkward at times as there is no dialog. So, you basically have to decipher the plot based solely on action. I guess this sort of takes you back to the films of the silent era. Overall, a pretty heartwarming film - full of imagination.Grade B-

bts1984 This 34-minute fantasy short film is wonderful. It's almost incredible that it was made in 1956 because it's far from looking that old, partially because it's colored and partially because of its film-making. Looks more like something made in the 1970's than 11 years after the end of World War II. Ahead. The ingenuousness of this story captivates, but the way it is told is just as captivating. This isn't a silent tale however it has very little dialog. But it works. The wonderful music by Maurice Le Roux and the images speak for themselves.This is the lovely story of Pascal, a cute and adorable 5/6 year-old child who, while walking through the streets of good old Paris, finds an unexpected but very special friend: a red balloon with a life and mind of its own. The balloon quickly gets fond of his human friend, following him everywhere and patiently waiting for him whatever time it takes. The kid accepts his unusual new friend and together they spend time and have fun in the streets of Paris. The pair draw attentions from society (they don't seem to understand and accept their friendship). Worse is the envy of a group of bullies, who near the ending throw rocks at the innocent balloon. And then one of them intentionally stomps at the dying balloon, killing the poor balloon.The ending is rather childish but undeniably charming and magical: countless balloons come to Pascal and take him on a balloon ride over Paris. It's as if the balloons are taking Pascal to a fantasy world where balloons and children can be happy forever. It's amazing how they did these "tricks" with all those balloons in 1956 and so masterfully!Albert Lamorisse superbly directed this and his own children star in it: his son Pascal Lamorisse plays Pascal, while his daughter Sabine Lamorisse plays the little girl with a blue balloon (equally with a mind of its own). Pascal Lamorisse is magnificent in this role. So is the red balloon, a great "actor" on his own. And the other balloons too.The Paris scenario is very pretty and colorful, accenting the feeling of french charm. 95% of what we see here no longer exists. That is sad. So many good things are sacrificed in the name of progress.This short couldn't be more innocent and sweeter, and yet at the same time it is slightly humorous (in its majority it is) and sad (such is the case when the balloon is cruelly destroyed). It is also a powerful reminder of the age of innocence, when children were really children and were happy with the simple pleasures of life, such as a balloon and wandering around. I still remember when I was a kid and how I'd get so happy over a balloon whenever they bought me one. One simple thing like a balloon was something special. And I am from a time when children still could wander around in some safety. Nowadays you never see children wandering around and they don't appreciate balloons and many other things like the children of my generation and before my generation did.Anyone who loves this has got to love 'Clown' (1968), equally a short film and french and similar in some ways.Title in Portugal: unknown, but it would make every sense to be 'O Balão Vermelho'.