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The Black Balloon Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Thomas Mollison
Jackie Masters
Charlie Mollison
Maggie Mollison
Simon Mollison
Janet
News & Interviews for The Black Balloon
Critic Reviews for The Black Balloon
All Critics (41) | Top Critics (20) | Fresh (35) | Rotten (6)
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November 18, 2011 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
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November 17, 2011 | Rating: 2/5 -
Thomas and Jackie's friendship, blossoming into a chaste romance, is the dramatic engine that powers The Black Balloon, but it's far from the most important relationship in the film.
May 1, 2009 | Full Review… -
The film's vision is neither a grim wallow nor falsely cheerful. It's compassionate but unblinking, and in the end we can't help but admire the genuine strength of how its characters accept their special challenge.
April 17, 2009 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
At its sharpest Elissa Down's feature directorial debut is guided by intense, rough-edged emotional swings that feel authentically alive, even when the script settles for tidiness.
April 10, 2009 | Rating: 3/4 -
The Black Balloon establishes this family with a delicate mixture of tenderness and pain.
April 10, 2009 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for The Black Balloon
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May 08, 2012An Australian household has a full plate and then some with their eldest, who is autistic, and how they live their lives in the face of staunch adversity is the subject of this realistic portrayal of the old Biblical maxim that faith w/o works is dead. Nothing overtly cinematic, but a fine subtle touch by the director here instead. Collette does stand out as the Mom whose presence you feel guiding the family even when offscreen.Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
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Nov 28, 2010Interesting, and depressing, but in no way "compelling" as the "recent reviews" would indicate. A decent film, but not great. The two boys were truly outstanding in their roles, however the scene of the musical at the autistic school was a real stretch. Some very funny laugh out loud scenes, but not enough everything else to make me really like this movie.Cynthia S Super Reviewer
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Oct 21, 2010What a great film. Superb acting! It felt as though I was seeing this difficult situation from an insiders point of view.Thomas J Super Reviewer
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Aug 10, 2010Ive never known or had to deal with somebody that has autism so I cant relate but I do know I loved this movie & Id definitely recommend anybody to go see itBrody M Super Reviewer
The Black Balloon Quotes
Maggie: | He's your brother! |
Thomas Mollison: | He's a freak! |
Maggie: | (Slaps Thomas in the face) Your brother will never be able to do the things you will. He'll never go to work or start a family, so we have to look after him. He's staying with us forever |
Maggie: | [slaps Thomas in the face] Your brother will never be able to do the things you will. He'll never go to work or start a family, so we have to look after him. He's staying with us forever. |
Thomas Mollison: | You've just pissed all over my leg, haven't you? |
Thomas Mollison: | Well, maybe if you were to stop signing, he might start talking. |
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