I just caught The Red Balloon on Turner Classic Movies and I found myself being instantly transported back in time to grade school. I must have watched TRB at least 10-12 times as a kid and enjoyed it immensely. Although I surely did not understand all of the symbolism throughout the film I do remember being enchanted and thoroughly entertained. I mean it was a movie about kids-not adults, what could be better? As a kid TRB always made me laugh and think. You know it's funny, out of all of the hundreds of films that I have seen in my life TRB is one of the few that has made a lasting impression. I did not fully realize the extent of the affect until tonight when I saw it agian for the first time in probably 15-16 years. Perhaps it is the funky energy of the film - the whole look, sound, and pace is so unique and honest. Growing up in the suburbs of Florida full of strip malls,gas stations and "nice" yet sterile housing developments, seeing a film about a young Parisian boy engulfed in the business of being a kid was a revelation. (That kid could have been me!) Maybe that was truly the first time that I experienced the ability of a film to magically transport me to another time and place. At any rate I am glad to share my thoughts with you. TRB brought back a little nostalgia for me tonight, and unexpected jolt to a childhood imagination that I had not considered in years. Judging by some of the other comments on this site many of you feel likewise. I realize that it is a rather simple observation, but I am heartened by the fact that the comments have come in from around the world about TRB. The fact that such a short and simple film has made such an impact on such a wide variety of people fills me with surprising amount of hope. Normally I am a bit of a cynic. I wonder if the kids in the Middle East have the opportunity to watch TRB? Just wondering...
Review of The Red Balloon
