It works especially well when Juliette Binoche is front and center.

| Original Score: 3.0/4.0 | Sep 7, 2020

A charming, achingly beautiful ode to childhood, channeling the pure-hearted essence of Lamorisse's immortal masterwork.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jul 6, 2019

Each character an outsider in some way-Simon owing to his age, Song to her nationality-the child and his minder form a tender dyad, one marked by reciprocated respect and curiosity.

| Jan 25, 2019

...a release from a desire to control and finds joy in a simple pleasure, a simple presence, a lovely mood.

| Nov 17, 2017

[Red Balloon] takes the ineffable and makes it concrete and visible.

| Aug 24, 2017

| Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 24, 2011

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 18, 2011

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 17, 2011

Hou's slice of backstreet Paris is quiet, composed, almost serene in spite of itself.

| Aug 15, 2011

Watching this was a waste of time.

| Original Score: F | Jul 6, 2010

A visitor's beatific evocation

| Aug 26, 2009

La Tour de Paris charmingly through the fresh eyes of a Chinese film student updating Lamorisse's beloved film while she babysits the son of the lovely, harried Binoche.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Dec 7, 2008

While Hou's cinematic techniques are as sound as ever, this time it feels as if they're being used to peer into nothing of particular, specific significance.

| Original Score: 6/10 | Nov 14, 2008

As if playing a serenely refined game, Hou transforms constraint into freedom -- which feels more to the point than any plotbound interpretation.

Full Review | Oct 18, 2008

| Original Score: A | Oct 18, 2008

Beautifully shot, but ultimately dull and plot-free drama that's both elusive and frustrating, despite a strong performance from Binoche.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Oct 18, 2008

[A] sedate, ever-lovely looking film.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 18, 2008

| Original Score: B+ | Oct 18, 2008

Binoche's energy, invention and concentration are phenomenal.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Oct 18, 2008

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4 | Oct 18, 2008