Flight of the Red Balloon

A drifting, observational slice of Parisian life, gentle and quietly sad, watching a scattered family through a stranger's patient eyes.

Directed by

Hou Hsiao-hsien

Genres

Family, Drama

Starring

Juliette Binoche, Simon Iteanu, Song Fang

Overview

The first part in a new series of films produced by Musée d'Orsay, 'Flight of the Red Balloon' tells the story of a French family as seen through the eyes of a Chinese student. The film was shot in August and September 2006 on location in Paris. This is Hou Hsiao-Hsien's first Western film. It is based on the classic French short The Red Balloon directed by Albert Lamorisse.

How it feels

Melancholic, warm and whimsical. Slow-burning and demanding.

About

Family, isolation, parenthood, art

Content

Mild language. No violence, gore or sexual content.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

Your rating is saved. See your suggestions, or find titles like this one below.

Rate it, and Mesmero finds titles that feel like it. You do not need an account.

Watch the trailer on YouTube (opens in a new tab)