Flight of the Red Balloon (2007)

Release date: 2007-05-17 Recommended age: 16+ IMDb 6.5
Flight of the Red Balloon

Movie details

  • Genres: Family, Drama
  • Director: Hou Hsiao-hsien
  • Main cast: Juliette Binoche, Simon Iteanu, Song Fang, Hippolyte Girardot, Louise Margolin
  • Country / region: France, Taiwan
  • Original language: fr
  • Premiere: 2007-05-17

Story overview

A Chinese film student in Paris becomes the nanny for a young boy, Simon, and his busy puppeteer mother. Through her perspective, the film gently explores their family life, artistic pursuits, and the subtle connections they form, all while a red balloon seems to follow Simon through the city, echoing a classic French children's story.

What parents need to know

This is a slow-paced, contemplative drama focused on family dynamics, art, and cultural perspectives. There is no violence, strong language, or scary scenes. The film's quiet, observational style and mature themes about adult relationships, work-life balance, and artistic expression may be difficult for younger children to engage with or understand. Due to its pacing and thematic depth, this film is generally appropriate for viewers aged 16 and up.

Trailer

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