"The Flight of the Red Balloon," which follows Hou's acclaimed "Three Times," is a great example of the director's even-hand and assured command of the medium. Hou's cinematographer Mark Lee Ping Bing keeps a distance from the characters, framing them in relatively long, static shots so that the characters move through them as if seen through a window, going on about their lives and their business in a way that feels almost voyeuristic at first. They tidy up their apartments, take piano lessons, talk on the phone about nothing. The camera is so unobtrusive and the acting so naturalistic that it takes a while for a narrative to emerge. When it finally does, you're surprised to find you're deeply invested in the characters. (Read the full review of "The Flight of the Red Balloon" at the LA Times)
Synopsis "Flight of the Red Balloon"
A mysterious red balloon affectionately follows seven-year-old Simon around Paris. His mother Suzanne is a puppeteer who uses her vocal talents to bring life to the shows she writes. Completely absorbed in her new show, Suzanne becomes overwhelmed by the complications of modern daily life. She decides to hire Song Fang, a Taiwanese film student, to help her care for Simon.
Opened April 2, 2008
Runtime: 1 hr. 53 min.
In French with English Subtitles.
Cast: Juliette Binoche, Simon Iteanu, Hippolyte Girardot, Song Fang, Louise Margolin
Director: Hou Hsiao-Hsien
Genres: Childhood Drama, Slice of Life, Drama
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