Ballon Rouge

Mandatory viewing for movie buffs and art students, Le Ballon Rouge is a wonderful short film by Albert Lamorisse, released in 1956. This 36-minute film takes place in the Parisian Ménilmontant district in the 1950s, and follows the adventures of a young boy (played by Albert Lamorisse's son Pascal). Pascal finds a red balloon attached to a lamppost near his house. So begins a story of friendship between the boy and the red balloon. This film is beautifully rendered with amazing color compositions. A tragical yet magical masterwork of French Cinema.