7.2
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The Black Balloon
2008·Movie
The Black Balloon fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Fast Pace5
- Adrenaline4
Heart
Moving and cathartic
Much of it is about growing up and family.
- Coming of Age9
- Family Dynamics9
- Pathos8
Humor
Some sharp wit and cringe comedy
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Cringe Humor5
- Situational Comedy4
World
Growing up, family, and everyday modern life
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout characters, direction, and performances
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
- Acting8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Black Balloon is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighMoving and cathartic
Much of it is about growing up and family.
Emotionally, it's moving, cathartic, and melancholic. Much of it is about growing up and family.
All heart traits
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome sharp wit and cringe comedy
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and cringe comedy.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor5Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy4Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumGrowing up, family, and everyday modern life
Its world is built around growing up, family, and everyday modern life.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout characters, direction, and performances
The characters, direction, and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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About
Normal is relative.
Thomas is turning 16. His dad's in the army and they've just moved to a town in New South Wales; his mom 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?
Autism RepresentationBrotherhoodComing-of-Age StoryFamily RelationshipsSocial ChallengesAustralian DramaTeen RomanceEmpathy & Understanding
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Black Balloon
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Black Balloon worth watching?
73
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 73/100 (IMDb 7.2, Rotten Tomatoes 85%, and Metacritic 68). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Black Balloon rated?
PG-13Strong language
It's rated PG-13 in the United States. Content advisories: strong language.
How long is The Black Balloon?
1 h 37 min
The Black Balloon runs 1 h 37 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Black Balloon?
Critics77
Audiences72
Yes. Critics average 77 and audiences 72 out of 100, so both groups see The Black Balloon much the same way.
Was The Black Balloon a box office hit?
Budget$5 million
Box office$5 million
Roughly broke even. It cost about $5 million to make and earned $5 million worldwide, 1.0 times its budget.
What language is The Black Balloon in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in Australia, United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Black Balloon?
10
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Black Balloon in 10 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.