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Flight of the Red Balloon

(2008, Rated NR, Drama, Starring Juliette Binoche, Fang Song, Simon Iteanu)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Beautifully shot art-house drama won't interest young kids.

Themes in this movie include:   family relationships, friendship

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The themes of the movie are about the importance of family, art, and city life.

  • Role models:

    Although the absentee father is a negative role model, Suzanne is a loving single mother who's realistically frazzled at trying to juggle the work-life balance. Her dedication to her son and her career is refreshing to see on film. Song is a caring nanny who allows Simon to explore his artistic side.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Discussion of marriage and relationships but nothing overtly sexual.

  • Language:

    Subtitled language includes "bitch," "s--t," "idiot," and "stupid."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not surprisingly, since this is a French film, adults smoke cigarettes fairly regularly and drink wine with meals.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Flight of the Red Balloon

Parents need to know that this French-language film will not appeal to kids who aren't ready to read subtitles during movies. Families with foreign-film-savvy children should know that this one includes some mature themes about family make-up (single mother, absentee father, full-time nanny), relationships, and urban life. There's no violence or consumerism, but a few French profanities are translated into the subtitles ("s--t" is the most frequent culprit). Unsurprisingly, some adult characters smoke and drink wine.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the movie's artful depiction of life in France, puppetry, and photography/filmmaking.
  • The mother's regular smoking could be framed within the context of European culture versus the United States' increasing "no smoking" culture. What are the cultural differences and similarities between life in France and life in the United States?
  • How is the son's absent father depicted? How is this unconventional family portrayed?
  • What do you think the red balloon symbolizes in the film?
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