IT WAS MY FIRST ART FILM

And I now own it!

As a child, this film was shown at least once a year at school and I always enjoyed seeing it. Watching it as an adult has not dulled it's impact. The restoration and DVD transfer (done in conjunction with Criterion) is exquisite and looks as it was filmed with in the last few years.

Released in 1956, this little gem won the Palme d'Or (short film) at Cannes and took home the Oscar that year for best original screenplay (a true testament to the power of this film since there is virtually no dialog and it runs about 34 minutes).

The film tells the story of a boy named Pascal who, on his way to school one morning, discovers a large red balloon outside is apartment building. He soon realizes the balloon has a mind and will of its own as it begins to follow Pascal through the streets of Paris, much to the bemusement of onlookers. At one point, Pascal and his balloon encounter a little girl with a blue balloon that also seems to have a mind of its own (and an amusing attraction between the two balloons is played out).

In their travels around the city, Pascal and the balloon encounter a gang of bullies. This gang of thugs eventually take the balloon away from Pascal and destroy it. As the balloon slowly deflates, one of the bully steps on it and, in a sense, kills it. This makes for a very emotional moment that is on par with the shooting of Old Yeller.

The film ends on an emotional high as the other balloons in Paris come to Pascal's aid and take him on a triumphant ride over the city. I can't think of another film that keeps me smiling from beginning to end.

See this film PRONTO!