The Red Balloon (1956)

Nominated for 1 Academy Award:

Best Original Screenplay (WON)

 

The Red Balloon is the only short film to ever win an Oscar outside of the short film categories. Not only was it nominated for Screenplay, it actually won, a 35 minute film, with barely any dialogue in it. How did it do it? Well, it was the film’s only nomination, and it was wildly popular when it was released, even in the States, and… While I get the idea behind wanting it to win something, the film’s directing is so obviously superior to the writing, you kinda wish it would’ve been recognized there.

It’s a film about a 6 year old boy, followed around by a red balloon he finds on the streets of Paris. It’s a simple story, but adequately building tension through music, and it sometimes plays like a silent movie. There are scenes in it where I couldn’t figure out how they did it, including the very special ending. Some visual effects must’ve been involved.

It’s not the most exciting film, but it’s very well put together, so I am showing it some respect.

 

I give it: 8.5/10

IMDB LINK