The Black Balloon (2008)
88%RT Audience Score: 84%
Awards & Nominations: 18 wins & 24 nominations
The Black Balloon is a film that delicately balances the harsh realities of living with a disabled family member with moments of tenderness and humor. Elissa Down’s directorial debut fearlessly tackles the subject of autism with honesty and passion, and Luke Ford’s portrayal of a disabled character is both sensitive and nuanced. While the film’s main character may come off as bland, the intense emotional swings and authentic portrayal of family dynamics make up for it. The Black Balloon is a unique and refreshing take on a subject that is often mishandled in Hollywood, and it charts its own course with grace and heart.
The Black Balloon is a heartwarming film that tackles the subject of autism with honesty and sensitivity. Luke Ford’s portrayal of a disabled character is nothing short of amazing, and the film’s message of acceptance and strength is truly inspiring. While some critics may find the main character to be a bit bland, I found him to be relatable and endearing. Overall, The Black Balloon is a must-see for anyone who wants to be moved and uplifted by a truly touching story. Plus, who doesn’t love a good Aussie charmer that charts its own course?
Production Company(ies)
First Thought Films,
Distributor
Neoclassic Films
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
Bardia Parade, Holsworthy, New South Wales, Australia
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for some sexual content, a scene of violence, and brief strong language
Year of Release
2008
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:Dolby Digital
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Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
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Runtime:1h 37m
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Language(s):English
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Country of origin:United States
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Dec 5, 2008 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 23, 2010
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Rhys Wakefield, Gemma Ward, Luke Ford, Toni Collette, Erik Thomson, Deborah Ann Piper, directed by Elissa Down, written by Elissa Down, Jimmy Jack, drama, PG-13, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Anna King, Ben Kenigsberg, Michael O’Sullivan, Walter V Addiego, Michael Phillips, Roger Ebert, Mattie Lucas, Al Alexander, Mike Scott, Christian Toto, Alicia Potter, Graham Killeen, autism, family, special needs, relationships, coming of age, Australian film, Tristram Miall, Neoclassic Films, Thomas Mollison, Jackie Masters, Charlie Mollison, Maggie Mollison, Simon Mollison, Janet, tender, witty, heartfelt, compassionate, unblinking, honest, passionate, subtle, realistic, outstanding performances, musical scene, chaste romance, special challenge
Worldwide gross: $2,136,663
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $2,943,172
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,318
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 320,957
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Gemma Ward – Jackie Masters
Luke Ford – Charlie Mollison
Toni Collette – Maggie Mollison
Erik Thomson – Simon Mollison
Deborah Ann Piper – Janet
Self – Elissa Down (Director)
Tristram Miall – Producer
Elissa Down – Writer
Jimmy Jack – Writer
Director(s)
Elissa Down
Writer(s)
Elissa Down, Jimmy Jack
Producer(s)
Tristram Miall
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
18 wins & 24 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (41) | Top Critics (20) | Fresh (35) | Rotten (6)
November 18, 2011 | Rating: 4/5
Anna King
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
November 17, 2011 | Rating: 2/5
Ben Kenigsberg
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
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.
May 1, 2009
Michael O’Sullivan
Washington Post
TOP CRITIC
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.
April 17, 2009 | Rating: 3/4
Walter V. Addiego
San Francisco Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
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.
April 10, 2009 | Rating: 3/4
Michael Phillips
Chicago Tribune
TOP CRITIC
The Black Balloon establishes this family with a delicate mixture of tenderness and pain.
April 10, 2009 | Rating: 3/4
Roger Ebert
Chicago Sun-Times
TOP CRITIC
This is standard Hallmark fare but to its credit it never tries to hide from that.
July 7, 2019 | Rating: 2/4
Mattie Lucas
From the Front Row
Autism is a subject most filmmakers fear to broach, but not Aussie newcomer Elissa Down, she attacks the issue with honesty and passion.
May 25, 2013 | Rating: B+
Al Alexander
The Patriot Ledger
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.
August 14, 2009 | Rating: 2.5/4
Mike Scott
Times-Picayune
The Black Balloon is neither ‘Rain Man’ nor ‘The Other Sister. This Aussie charmer charts its own course.
May 3, 2009 | Rating: 3/4
Christian Toto
What Would Toto Watch?
Wakefield anchors the well-paced quieter moments.
April 23, 2009 | Rating: 3/4
Alicia Potter
Boston Phoenix
The Black Balloon is marked by the fiercest bravery you’re likely to encounter on screen this year.
April 16, 2009 | Rating: 3/4
Graham Killeen
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel…
Plot
Thomas is turning 16. His Dad is in the army and they’ve just moved to a town in New South Wales; his mum is pregnant; his older brother, Charlie, who’s autistic, has his own adolescent sexual issues. Thomas finds Charlie an embarrassment in public, so when Thomas is attracted to Jackie, a girl in his swim class, Charlie presents any number of obstacles when she drops by their house, when the three of them go for a walk, and during a family birthday dinner. Can Thomas find a way to enter the world of teen romance and still be his brother’s keeper, or is Charlie’s disability going to prove more than Thomas can handle?
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The Black Balloon features a standout performance from Toni Collette as the mother of an autistic son.
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