Au Hasard Balthazar (1966)
Kernel Score: 86% · 501 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Drama
Released: 1966-05-25
Runtime: 96 minutes
Where to watch Au Hasard Balthazar
- Stream: The Criterion Channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
The story of a donkey Balthazar as he is passed from owner to owner, some kind and some cruel but all with motivations beyond his understanding. Balthazar, whose life parallels that of his first keeper, Marie, is truly a beast of burden, suffering the sins of humankind. But despite his powerlessness, he accepts his fate nobly.
Au Hasard Balthazar parents' guide: ages 14+
Parents need to know that Au Hasard Balthazar is a somber French drama depicting a donkey's suffering under cruel owners, including references to rape, suicide, and animal cruelty.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Depicts recurring animal cruelty and abuse toward the central donkey, plus references to gang violence and cruelty among humans.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — Includes a rape reference and an abusive relationship as part of the film's bleak portrait of suffering.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Au Hasard Balthazar
If you liked Au Hasard Balthazar, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Creed III (2023) — 79%
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- War Horse (2011) — 82%
- Radio Flyer (1992) — 77%
- Zorba the Greek (1964) — 82%
- The Lovely Bones (2009) — 81%
- The Beasts (2022) — 85%
Director
Cast
- Anne Wiazemsky as Marie
- Walter Green as Jacques
- François Lafarge as Gérard
- Jean-Claude Guilbert as Arnold
- Philippe Asselin as Marie's Father
- Pierre Klossowski as Merchant
- Nathalie Joyaut as Marie's Mother
- Marie-Claire Fremont as Baker's Wife
- Jean-Joël Barbier as The Priest
Au Hasard Balthazar FAQ
Is Au Hasard Balthazar good?
Au Hasard Balthazar has an 86% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 501 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Au Hasard Balthazar?
In the US you can stream Au Hasard Balthazar on The Criterion Channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is Au Hasard Balthazar OK for kids?
Au Hasard Balthazar is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 14+. Parents need to know that Au Hasard Balthazar is a somber French drama depicting a donkey's suffering under cruel owners, including references to rape, suicide, and animal cruelty.
What movies are like Au Hasard Balthazar?
If you liked Au Hasard Balthazar, try Creed III, War for the Planet of the Apes, Detachment and War Horse.