le ballon rouge

[see film here]

A short film by Albert Lamorisse. I am smitten over this film, based in 1950's Paris. It is the most charming little film- the architecture, the old cars, the Parisian children in their vintage school clothes and the adorable French boy with his trousers hiked up and shirt tucked in. It brings a smile to my face.


"Le Ballon Rouge tells a simple tale of childhood innocence, completely untainted by false sentimentality. It is a short film, which manages to avoid dialogue mostly, and it has a surprisingly great deal to say about human nature, showing both the best and worst of humanity in a modern parable that speaks to everyone, whether five or ninety-five."

James Travers, 2001