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A tender and witty portrayal of a family coping with autism, The Black Balloon is heartfelt without being schmaltzy or moralizing.
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All Critics (41) | Top Critics (17) | Fresh (35) | Rotten (6)
Quote not available. November 18, 2011 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
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Anna King
Quote not available. November 17, 2011 | Rating: 2/5
Ben Kenigsberg
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…
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.
Michael O'Sullivan
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…
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.
Walter V. Addiego
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
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.
Michael Phillips
The Black Balloon establishes this family with a delicate mixture of tenderness and pain. April 10, 2009 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
The Black Balloon establishes this family with a delicate mixture of tenderness and pain.
Roger Ebert
This is standard Hallmark fare but to its credit it never tries to hide from that. July 7, 2019 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review…
This is standard Hallmark fare but to its credit it never tries to hide from that.
Matthew Lucas
Autism is a subject most filmmakers fear to broach, but not Aussie newcomer Elissa Down, she attacks the issue with honesty and passion. May 25, 2013 | Rating: B+ | Full Review…
Autism is a subject most filmmakers fear to broach, but not Aussie newcomer Elissa Down, she attacks the issue with honesty and passion.
Al Alexander
It's a well-meaning film, marked by Luke Ford's sensitive portrayal of a disabled character. But the main character is bland, imparting the same vibe on the rest of the film. August 14, 2009 | Rating: 2.5/4
It's a well-meaning film, marked by Luke Ford's sensitive portrayal of a disabled character. But the main character is bland, imparting the same vibe on the rest of the film.
Mike Scott
The Black Balloon is neither 'Rain Man' nor 'The Other Sister. This Aussie charmer charts its own course. May 3, 2009 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
The Black Balloon is neither 'Rain Man' nor 'The Other Sister. This Aussie charmer charts its own course.
Christian Toto
Wakefield anchors the well-paced quieter moments. April 23, 2009 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
Wakefield anchors the well-paced quieter moments.
Alicia Potter
The Black Balloon is marked by the fiercest bravery you're likely to encounter on screen this year. April 16, 2009 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
The Black Balloon is marked by the fiercest bravery you're likely to encounter on screen this year.
Graham Killeen
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