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The Black Balloon

Play trailer Poster for The Black Balloon PG-13,  2008,  1h 37m,  Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 85% 40 Reviews Tomatometer 84% 2,500+ Ratings Popcornmeter
85% Tomatometer 40 Reviews 84% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
Thomas struggles with having an autistic brother.
The Black Balloon

What to Know

Critics Consensus

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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Critics Reviews

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Michael O'Sullivan Washington Post May 1, 2009
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. Go to Full Review
Walter V. Addiego San Francisco Chronicle Apr 17, 2009
3/4
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. Go to Full Review
Michael Phillips Chicago Tribune Apr 10, 2009
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. Go to Full Review
Ellie Lucas From the Front Row Jul 7, 2019
2/4
This is standard Hallmark fare but to its credit it never tries to hide from that. Go to Full Review
Al Alexander The Patriot Ledger May 25, 2013
B+
Autism is a subject most filmmakers fear to broach, but not Aussie newcomer Elissa Down, she attacks the issue with honesty and passion. Go to Full Review
Mike Scott Times-Picayune Aug 14, 2009
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. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Finn S Feb 7, 2017 Set in 1992, this film follows 15 year-old Thomas (Wakefield) who is ashamed and embarrased by his autistic older brother, Charlie (Ford). Having just moved to a new area and school, he meets Jackie (Ward), who surprises him by not letting Charlie's condition come between them. See more
Ron R Jan 26, 2017 stupid direction. rewarding low self esteem and low logic
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The Black Balloon

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Elissa Down

Director

Rhys Wakefield

Thomas Mollison

Gemma Ward

Jackie Masters

Luke Ford

Charlie Mollison

Toni Collette

Maggie Mollison

Erik Thomson

Simon Mollison

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The Black Balloon

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Movie Info

Synopsis Thomas struggles with having an autistic brother.
Director
Elissa Down
Producer
Tristram Miall
Screenwriter
Elissa Down, Jimmy Jack
Distributor
Neoclassic Films
Rating
PG-13 (Some Sexual Content|Brief Strong Language|A Scene of Violence)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 5, 2008, Limited
Release Date (DVD)
Mar 23, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA)
$10.3K
Runtime
1h 37m
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