Le Ballon Rouge

Story

One day, a young boy finds a red balloon tied to a lamppost. The balloon appears to have a mind of its own and follows his new friend around the streets of Paris, though not everyone seems to be very understanding of this friendship…

Why we chose it

An award winning short – and almost silent – film loved by many for its simple storytelling and beautiful visual imagery.

Where it came from

The film seems to be inspired by the atmosphere of Post-Occupation France. It was filmed in the Ménilmontant neighbourhood of Paris after World War II, and the dark, gloomy streets are contrasted with the bright balloon, which symbolises hope and optimism.

Where it went next

The film won numerous prizes, including the Best Short Film at Cannes Film Festival 1956 and a BAFTA Award in 1957. A book with the same name was published, showing black and white photos from the film with added text. Hou Hsiao-hsien's 2007 film Flight of the Red Balloon is a direct homage to the film, and the floating-house in Disney’s Up recalls Le Ballon Rouge’s final scene.

Associated stories

In 1960, Lamorisse realised a second film called Le Voyage en Ballon (Stowaway in the Sky), which also starred his son Pascal and was considered a kind of successor to Le Ballon Rouge.