Directed by Albert Lamorisse • 1956 • France
Starring Pascal Lamorisse
Rarely has the spirit of childhood been evoked as exquisitely as in this Academy Award–winning cinematic fable, a fantasy with the texture of reality. On the streets of 1950s Paris, a young boy (played by director Albert Lamorisse’s son, Pascal) is launched on a miraculous adventure when he’s playfully pursued by a shiny red balloon that seems to have a mind of its own—until the harsh realities of the world interfere, setting the stage for a deeply moving finale. Shot in beautifully muted Technicolor, this beguiling allegory of innocence and transcendence has inspired generations of viewers to let their imaginations take flight.
Up Next in THE FILMS
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White Mane
Directed by Albert Lamorisse • 1952 • France
Starring Alain Emery, Laurent Roche, Clan-ClanPossessed of the timeless perfection of a fable, this tale about the unique bond between children and animals is Albert Lamorisse’s ode to the awe-inspiring majesty of nature. Amid the vast flatlands of t...
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Stowaway in the Sky
Directed by Albert Lamorisse • 1960 • France
Starring André Gille, Pascal Lamorisse, Maurice BaquetFollowing the international triumph of THE RED BALLOON, Albert Lamorisse turned to feature filmmaking with another delightful tale of a boy and a balloon. Making spectacular use of Hélivision—an ...
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Circus Angel
Directed by Albert Lamorisse • 1965 • France
Starring Philippe Avron, Mireille Nègre, Henri LambertAlbert Lamorisse’s second and final foray into narrative feature filmmaking is also a whimsical visual enchantment and an elegant and eccentric comedy. In it, a daring young thief (Philippe Avron)...
