Tuesday, May 12

Le Ballon Rouge


I was thrilled to read that Le Ballon Rouge, a wonderful, timeless movie, has been re-released. I remember watching it in Elementary School. I think we must have watched it every year. Do you remember it?

It is the story of a little boy, Pascal, and a red balloon with a mind of its own. It was produced in 1956 and was filmed on the streets of Paris. The movie has virtually no dialogue but is set against a beautiful musical score.



I think it will be perfect for our next family movie night. It definitely meets Eva's criteria of no villains. We watched Mary Poppins last week which was wonderful! I'd forgotten what a great movie that is. Again, no villain. We're talking about Pinocchio. I can't remember if there's a villain in it. Anyone know?

No sure if Le Ballon Rouge is available for download from itunes (since our move that has been our favorite way to rent movies.) But I decided that this was a movie I *had* to own. I bought it here. Then I noticed this movie that I also saw in Elementary School. So I bought it too. Nostaglia. I can't get enough. Look through this site, though, it's pretty cool. Foreign, classic and independent films for sale. I remember this one too.

I'd love to know if any of them ring a bell with you.

13 comments:

Carrie said...

Quite a few villains in Pinocchio. Finn loves the bad guys!

Becky said...

I love that movie except it always made me so sad when the balloon popped. (sigh) I think that "Pinocchio" does have a villain. Remember the bad, scary guy at the amusement park when the boys turn into donkeys? And the bad puppet master. It has been years (lots and lots) since I have watched it but I do think it has a few bad guys. Good luck!

Margaret said...

I love Le Ballon Rouge and Paddle to the Sea. Growing up in Michigan, Paddle to the Sea was a major part of our school curriculum. Paddle to the Sea is also a picture book as well.

Annie Scarlett said...

Pinocchio scared my boys because of when they turn into donkeys.

We haven't seen Le Ballon Rouge, so we'll definitely have to check that out.

AudreyQ said...

Your elementary school was much more sophisticated than mine. I only remember seeing those Jiminy Cricket health and safety movies.

I was thrilled to show The Red Balloon to my son Pascal when he was three. I figured it was the only time he'd see another boy named Pascal unless we moved to France. I love the look of the film and it's meandering pace. I was a little distressed to have to explain the concept of bullies to him. He didn't understand why the other boys were chasing Pascal. I miss that innocence!

There is also a kids book with stills from the movie. It holds up surprisingly well in print.

Brenda said...

Yes, my youngest is very big about "no bad guys."

Every year in elementary we watched some movie about Philip and the White Horse. Every year.

ksjjpalmer said...

How about Chitty Chitty Bang Bang? We have it but we haven't seen it yet. We also just got Mary Poppins from the library. Looking forward to it!

se7en said...

This post brought my entire childhood back with a whump! I had the book of this movie as a kid and read it and read it... with huge glorious photographs!

My kids love Bugsy Malone, they absolutely love the cream fight and the wind-up cars...

Other classics they watch with great enthusiasm... no passive viewing in this house!: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, sound of Music, Mary Poppins, Bedknobs and Broomsticks... I could go on!

Becka said...

Although Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a favorite at my house, it does have a rather scarey bad guy. One movie my kids loved was Milo and Otis. We watched this many times during our "no bad guys" age.

Jaime said...

Ack! I LOVE Le Ballon Rouge!!!

Monkey's Mama said...

there are multiple villains in Pinocchio - best to save it! The guy who turns the kids into donkeys, the puppet master, etc. You should read the original book (we did and I had to change a LOT of the story on the fly!) talk about dark!

Annette said...

I remember Le Balloon Rouge!!! I really do and havent thought of it in years!!

Megret said...

Oh, yes, we've always loved The Red Balloon! I shared it w/ our son when he was 3, and I was able to find the full-color photo storybook on Amazon to surprise him with, as well.

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