Poster for The Black Balloon

The Black Balloon

2008, Drama, 1h 37m

41 Reviews 2,500+ Ratings

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critics consensus

A tender and witty portrayal of a family coping with autism, The Black Balloon is heartfelt without being schmaltzy or moralizing. Read critic reviews

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The Black Balloon Photos

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Movie Info

Thomas struggles with having an autistic brother.
  • Rating:
    PG-13 (A Scene of Violence|Some Sexual Content|Brief Strong Language)
  • Genre:
    Drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Elissa Down
  • Producer:
    Tristram Miall
  • Writer:
    Elissa Down, Jimmy Jack
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     limited
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $10.3K
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    Neoclassic Films

Cast & Crew

Rhys Wakefield
Rhys Wakefield
Thomas Mollison
Gemma Ward
Gemma Ward
Jackie Masters
Luke Ford
Luke Ford
Charlie Mollison
Toni Collette
Toni Collette
Maggie Mollison
Erik Thomson
Erik Thomson
Simon Mollison
Deborah Ann Piper
Deborah Ann Piper
Janet
Henry Nixon
Henry Nixon
Trevor
Aaron Glenane
Aaron Glenane
Bucko
Elissa Down
Elissa Down
Director
Elissa Down
Elissa Down
Writer
Jimmy Jack
Jimmy Jack
Writer
Sally Chesher
Sally Chesher
Executive Producer
Toni Collette
Toni Collette
Executive Producer
Tristram Miall
Tristram Miall
Producer
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News & Interviews for The Black Balloon

Edinburgh 2008: What to Watch
Edinburgh 2008: What to Watch
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Critic Reviews for The Black Balloon

All Critics (41) | Top Critics (20) | Fresh (35) | Rotten (6)
Full Review… Anna King Time Out Full Review… Ben Kenigsberg Time Out Full Review… Michael O'Sullivan Washington Post Full Review… Walter V. Addiego San Francisco Chronicle Full Review… Michael Phillips Chicago Tribune Full Review… Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times Full Review… Mattie Lucas From the Front Row Full Review… Al Alexander The Patriot Ledger Full Review… Mike Scott Times-Picayune Full Review… Christian Toto What Would Toto Watch? Full Review… Alicia Potter Boston Phoenix Full Review… Graham Killeen Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
View All Critic Reviews (41)

Audience Reviews for The Black Balloon

  • May 08, 2012
    An 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.
    Super Reviewer
  • Nov 28, 2010
    Interesting, 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
  • Oct 21, 2010
    What a great film. Superb acting! It felt as though I was seeing this difficult situation from an insiders point of view.
    Super Reviewer
  • Aug 10, 2010
    Ive 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 it
    Super Reviewer
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