I really, really hated this movie. For the life of me, I can't understand all the 10 out of 10 ratings. Folks, this isn't Casablanca.
There are one or two comments on here, however, that do reflect mine. I grew up in Denver late 60s/early 70s, and it seemed we saw this movie at least a few times every! year. The buzz would go through the class that we would be seeing a movie (usually one of those terrible "EB" or "Coronet" films) so we knew we could relax and maybe doze off! But no, you would hear that music-- and then-- The Red Balloon.
I agree with the other writer. What was the purpose of this film? That friendship is fleeting? Don't get involved with balloons? You can float away from all the bullies in your life? How is this heartwarming? Or wonderful? Freaking downbeat people! I think the people that like this like present day movies where everyone dies at the end. You know, stuff like that is heartwarming.
It didn't help that you could constantly see the thin string pulling the balloon along, and the purposefully thick cord the balloon had on it to try to distract from that.
Everyone! hated this film when we watched it, the collective groans got louder with each screening. We would have been happier as kids, and more educated, if they had just put the projector on and allowed us to do shadow puppets. Or better still, rent a camera and let the kids make their OWN movie. Gee, what a concept, maybe actually learn something.
So for the teacher that wrote on this that she loved the movie, got the VHS tape and is now "sharing it" with her kids...STOP! Your kids hate this movie! Except maybe the single kid who will grow up to be YOU and try to palm it off on the next poor generation!
There are one or two comments on here, however, that do reflect mine. I grew up in Denver late 60s/early 70s, and it seemed we saw this movie at least a few times every! year. The buzz would go through the class that we would be seeing a movie (usually one of those terrible "EB" or "Coronet" films) so we knew we could relax and maybe doze off! But no, you would hear that music-- and then-- The Red Balloon.
I agree with the other writer. What was the purpose of this film? That friendship is fleeting? Don't get involved with balloons? You can float away from all the bullies in your life? How is this heartwarming? Or wonderful? Freaking downbeat people! I think the people that like this like present day movies where everyone dies at the end. You know, stuff like that is heartwarming.
It didn't help that you could constantly see the thin string pulling the balloon along, and the purposefully thick cord the balloon had on it to try to distract from that.
Everyone! hated this film when we watched it, the collective groans got louder with each screening. We would have been happier as kids, and more educated, if they had just put the projector on and allowed us to do shadow puppets. Or better still, rent a camera and let the kids make their OWN movie. Gee, what a concept, maybe actually learn something.
So for the teacher that wrote on this that she loved the movie, got the VHS tape and is now "sharing it" with her kids...STOP! Your kids hate this movie! Except maybe the single kid who will grow up to be YOU and try to palm it off on the next poor generation!