Each week, the Reel Dad looks for a film for parents to share withchildren. Some of the reviewed films are new; some are classics; all areselected for their “nutritional value” as part of a family’s movie experience.This week, the Reel Dad takes a look at a new film from France, Flight of the Red Balloon .

 

by M ark Schumann

Father of Three

 
A special adventure in a family’s movie experience can be the firstexposure to films in foreign languages. While enjoying the experience mayrequire an adjustment to “read” subtitles, it can lead to an appreciation ofthe subtleties offered by a movie created outside of Hollywood. A lovely newmovie from France, Flight of the Red Balloon , can be an ideal appetizer to introduce your familyto the wonders of foreign cinema.

Inspired by the The Red Balloon , a film classic from the 1950s, the new film studies the hectic natureof living in a big city. That the city is photogenic Paris gives the film amarvelous lustre. That the hectic nature of life is perfectly expressed by thealways-marvelous Juliette Binoche gives the film an accessible edge. And thatthe film magically captures the aspirations of youth makes it a lovelyintroduction to a world of films from other countries.

The film’s slight story, in fact, illustrates the joy of foreign films.Hollywood would never make a film about a boy who watches a red balloon floatabove the streets of Paris. American moviemakers looking for big box officereceipts would fill the balloon with destructive material or line the streets withcomputer-generated monsters. This gentle story of a young boy trying to findsomething to grasp in a chaotic world would never fly in today’s blockbusterworld. It is too simple.

Fortunately, this film is a product of a different world. The Muséed’Orsay, a landmark art museum in Paris, commissioned the film as the first ina series of movie projects. Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao Hsien tells the storyvisually rather than rely on extensive dialogue. This helps make the filmaccessible to audiences who may not enjoy reading subtitles. The film is sovisually alive, and the performances so vivid in expression, the dialogue (andsubtitles) seem unnecessary. Instead, it’s easy to savor the visuals that tella loving story of a young boy who simply wants predictability and security inhis harried life.

Juliette Binoche is heartbreaking as the stressed mother who fearsdisappointing everyone she touches, from her tenant who does not pay rent, toher ex-husband who does not pay attention to their son, to her son who shefears she will simply forget to pick up and transport one day. To add to thecharacter’s depth, Hsien makes the mother a master vocal actress who works withpuppets and, in a marvelous sequence, establishes her tight command of herartistry that thrives in sharp contrast to her disorganized household. Thisexquisite actress, who won a most deserved Academy Award for The EnglishPatient , rarely appears on screenthese days. Each time she does is cause to rush to the closest theater. She ismagical.

As parents, and moviegoers, it can be too easy to rush to the movies tosee the latest blockbuster. Take the time to explore the less obvious filmsincluding a visit to a foreign-language entry. A film as entertaining as TheFlight of the Red Balloon will helpyour children begin to enjoy the wonderful world of foreign films. And it mayremind you, as well, that there’s more to life in the movies than specialeffects generated by computer.

 

Note to Parents: Flight of the Red Balloon offers an idealintroduction to foreign-language cinema. It has a light story that is easy tofollow, it does not rely on dialogue (and subtitles) to tell its story, it isvisually interesting, and it is relatively short at just under two hours. Plus,because the story is about a young child, it will give children something torelate to. The film is rated PG-13 for mild language. It also provides awonderful view of city life in Paris, which most children should find veryinteresting.

 

Film Nutritional Value:

Flight of the Red Balloon

* Content: High. The storyis slight, the message is human, and the insight into hectic living in Paris isvery interesting.

* Entertainment: High.Visually, the film is beautiful to look at, as vivid and colorful as any pieceof art you might enjoy.

* Message: Mild. It’s nota message picture. It’s an entertainment with a dose of humanity.

* Relevance: High. Ourchildren need to appreciate film beyond the summer blockbuster. This accessiblefilm can introduce them to the wonderful world of foreign-language cinema.

* Opportunity for Dialogue: High. The differences inday-to-day life between our world and the film can prompt interestingconversations.