When I watched Le ballon rouge
Le ballon rouge (1956), which is one of the most beloved films of all time, reminded me about the beauty of childhood. Directed by Albert Lamorisse, it is a fantasy film which won the Palme D’Or for short films and the Oscar for best original screenplay, along with many other awards. The message is so simple, but the film, almost entirely wordless, is one of the best examples of pure cinema, so artistic, visually powerful and beautifully shot that it won a special place in my heart.
c
On his way to school one morning Pascal finds a stray red balloon. Soon a bond is created between the child and his new toy and they become inseparable. Pascal discovers the red balloon has a mind of its own and it follows him everywhere by its own will, waiting for him in the schoolyard, outside his bedroom, following him even inside the church, teasing him to make sure Pascal deserves its friendship. The red balloon becomes the best friend he doesn’t have and they attract the envy of the boys in the neighbouhood, who soon destroy it. The ending of the film is magical, when all the balloons in Paris gather and come to Pascal’s rescue, taking him on a fairy tale balloon ride over the city. Le ballon rouge will lift up your spirit. Aren’t we all children at heart? I only hope children today haven’t lost the innocence and joy of play.
c
I wish you a wonderful weekend and don’t forget to dream!
images: screen stills from the film, captured by me
That’s so beautiful! I haven’t seen this movie but I have heard alot about it… I must track it down. Your screen captures are perfection Ada! Beautiful. Hope you have a great Friday:)x
My mind just travelled with this post! I haven’t seen the film yet, but will save it for a rainy day.
Gorgeous images! For some reason, this post quietly reminded me of the cover of a book i read ages ago – The Lollipop shoes by Joanne Harris (Chocolat).
x.o.x.o
What an inspiring post! Thank you.
Dear Ada,
thanks for taking the time and sharing all the enchanting pictures and the magical story of this truly special film. I’ve never seen it before but putting it on the list!
The mix of story, of colors, of the chosen sets and streets and of course the little boy himself (and not to forget about the red balloon….) seem to be a total fascination for eyes and mind.
I’m always thrilled of the fabulous and spectacular ideas people can imagine – and bring it to a screen that way 🙂
Happy weekend to you!
Sof
How lovely that this movie holds such a special place in your heart, especially on June 1st. It’s so important to dream – it keeps us going!
Have a great weekend
x
Lovely, Ada! I have to watch the film, but this weekend for me will be all about films abd friendship again: I am going to Cluj Napoca to TIFF. So, I hope you’ll enjoy this summer beginning and have a sunny weekend! We are all children that need those friends red ballons…
This sounds like a wonderful movie! The last pic reminds me of a picture I took of my daughter hanging on to a huge set of balloons at a wedding. Have a lovely weekend!
This one was bookmarked when you told me about it for the first time and now I just know that I have to see it. Your post is beautiful, that first photo took my breath away, there is just something so wonderful about it.
Have a wonderful weekend Ada and thanks for taking the time to create this beautiful post.
Lisa, when I saw that first image I wanted to press pause to take in all its beauty. I initially wanted to use it for the Capturing beauty series and post just that one, but then I wanted to write about the entire film and I had to give up the idea. 🙂
Sounds like such a magical movie. One that would stay with me forever especially if I had seen it as a child. I will definitely make a point to check this out.
Have a wonderful weekend, Ada! xoxo
What a sweet sweet story Ada!! I haven’t heard it before and pascal warms my heart! thanks for sharing! I will have to see this movie!
Ada, this post brought back instant memories of film school, all the french students loved and raved about this film..and for the americans, there was a bit of a cultural disconnect–but it’s lovely and makes me want to watch again. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo Mary Jo
Ada, you are a beautiful mind! love this movie
biggest hugs
Thank you, Maria. No, I haven’t seen the 2007 film.
Have you seen the new Le Voyage du ballon rouge – 2007. I like it but I simply love the classical one. Happy weekend
Absolutely brilliant, Ada! A magical post about a magical film. One of the most enchanting ever. Dreaming, indeed!!
I hope you are well – I am just back from another busy trip to Europe. Catching up and thinking of you. 🙂
xo
How Beautiful!
I loved this post, Hun!
Have a beautiful summer. 🙂
xoxo
love this!
xoxo navy & orange
This story, particularly the last two shots, definitely inspired a few editorials and adverts. You know, we also celebrate Children’s day in Russia on 1 June and I totally forgot about it. xxx
Ada – I have never heard of this film but it looks so beautiful. I love these images and will try and get the film to watch at home. Thanks for sharing and have a fab day,
Axx
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