The White Balloon

Watch The White Balloon

  • NR
  • 1995
  • 1 hr 25 min
  • 7.6  (8,154)

The 1995 film The White Balloon is a beautiful and poignant story about a young girl named Razieh who sets out to buy a goldfish for the Iranian New Year, known as Nowruz. Directed by acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, the film stars Aida Mohammadkhani as Razieh, along with Mohsen Kafili and Fereshteh Sadre Orafaiy in supporting roles.

Set in the bustling streets of Tehran, the film captures the essence of Iranian culture and traditions, as well as the struggles of everyday life for people living in the city. As Razieh sets out on her mission to buy the perfect goldfish for her family's Nowruz celebration, she encounters a variety of characters and obstacles along the way.

Through its stark simplicity, The White Balloon offers a powerful meditation on the nature of fate and the unpredictability of life. As Razieh navigates the crowded streets and encounters both kindness and cruelty from strangers, she learns valuable lessons about perseverance, determination, and the importance of family.

At its core, the film is a coming-of-age story that explores the hopes, dreams, and fears of a young girl on the cusp of adolescence, as well as the challenges that face her as a member of Iranian society. Despite its seemingly mundane premise, The White Balloon manages to captivate audiences with its quiet beauty and understated sense of emotion.

Throughout the film, viewers are drawn into Razieh's world and the struggles she faces, both on a personal and societal level. As she encounters various characters along the way, including a street performer, a shopkeeper, and a young boy, we see the diverse array of personalities that make up the city of Tehran, and the different ways in which people cope with the challenges of everyday life.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its use of symbolism and metaphor, particularly the eponymous white balloon that serves as a central motif. As Razieh becomes fixated on buying a fish for her family, she also becomes obsessed with obtaining a white balloon that she sees in a shop window. The balloon represents her innocence and optimism, as well as her desire to break free from the confines of her everyday life.

As the film reaches its climax, viewers are kept on edge as Razieh faces a series of setbacks that threaten to derail her mission. In the face of adversity, however, she remains steadfast in her determination, showing her resilience and strength of character.

Overall, The White Balloon is a beautiful and soulful film that offers a unique glimpse into Iranian culture and society. With its compelling characters, gorgeous cinematography, and stirring themes, it is a must-see for anyone interested in international cinema or humanist storytelling.

The White Balloon
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Description
  • Release Date
    1995
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 25 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.6  (8,154)
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