The Black Balloon - Metacritic
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  • 2008
  • PG-13
  • NeoClassics Films
  • 1 h 37 m
  • 2008
  • PG-13
  • NeoClassics Films
  • 1 h 37 m

Summary When Thomas and his family move to a new home and he has to start at a new school, all he wants is to fit in. When his pregnant mother has to take things easy, his father Simon puts him in charge of his autistic older brother Charlie. Thomas, with the help of his new girlfriend Jackie, faces his biggest challenge yet. Charlie's unusual a...

Directed By: Elissa Down

Written By: Jimmy The Exploder, Elissa Down

  • 2008
  • PG-13
  • NeoClassics Films
  • 1 h 37 m
  • 2008
  • PG-13
  • NeoClassics Films
  • 1 h 37 m
The Black Balloon
Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 12 Critic Reviews
68
User Score Generally Favorable Based on 8 User Ratings
6.8
My Score
Hover and click to give a rating Saved

Summary When Thomas and his family move to a new home and he has to start at a new school, all he wants is to fit in. When his pregnant mother has to take things easy, his father Simon puts him in charge of his autistic older brother Charlie. Thomas, with the help of his new girlfriend Jackie, faces his biggest challenge yet. Charlie's unusual a...

Directed By: Elissa Down

Written By: Jimmy The Exploder, Elissa Down

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 12 Critic Reviews
68
92% Positive
11 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
8% Negative
1 Review

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  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 12 Critic Reviews
68
92% Positive
11 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
8% Negative
1 Review

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
80
For the most part, this unblinking family drama packs a visceral punch. Thomas' journey toward acceptance is blessedly free of noble lessons and filled with real people.
FULL REVIEW
75
It's compassionate but unblinking.
By Walter Addiego FULL REVIEW
75
Luke Ford's performance as Charlie is a convincing tour de force. You may recall him as Brendan Fraser's heroic son in "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor." Rhys Wakefield, in his first feature role, is a good casting decision, suggesting inner turmoil without overacting.
By Roger Ebert FULL REVIEW
70
Ms. Collette’s Maggie is the film's prime mover. This wonderful Australian actress, who hasn't a shred of vanity, virtually disappears into the complicated characters she plays, and Maggie is one of the strongest.
By Stephen Holden FULL REVIEW
70
Within its resolutely mainstream parameters, The Black Balloon courses with a firsthand feel for languorous Aussie summers, the shifting scales of love and hate in sibling relationships, and the earned wit that helps families cope with difficult situations.
FULL REVIEW
70
Much has been made of supermodel Gemma Ward's doll-like features, but there's nothing plastic about her debut performance in the charming Australian indie The Black Balloon.
FULL REVIEW
30
Cringe-inducing when it's not cliched, this brassy, vulgar 2008 comedy from Australia mines mental disabilities for laughs.
By Andrea Gronvall FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 8 User Ratings
6.8
75% Positive
6 Ratings
13% Mixed
1 Rating
13% Negative
1 Rating

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 8 User Ratings
6.8
75% Positive
6 Ratings
13% Mixed
1 Rating
13% Negative
1 Rating

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

Details

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Production Company Australian Film Finance Corporation (AFFC), Black Balloon Productions, Icon Entertainment International, The Australian Film Commission, The New South Wales Film and Television Office
Release Date Dec 5, 2008
Duration 1 h 37 m
Rating PG-13
Genres
Tagline Normal is relative.
View All Details

Awards

Australian Film Institute
• 6 Wins & 11 Nominations
IF Awards
• 1 Win & 11 Nominations
Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards
• 3 Wins & 10 Nominations

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