Let The Balloon Go is a heartfelt, moving and thought-provoking Australian film from 1976, directed by Phillip Noyce, and featuring a talented cast of child actors including Robert Bettles alongside Janet Kingsbury and John Ewart in mature performances. The story is about a young boy named Tony who lives with his grandmother in a small coastal town in Australia. Tony is passionate about balloons and flying them, and he spends most of his time making and flying balloons. He is also very fond of his pet seagull, Lucy, but he faces a lot of opposition from the town's residents who believe that seagulls are pests and should be eliminated. Tony's grandmother encourages his love for balloons and birds, but she is also concerned about his obsession and tries to strike a balance.
Tony is a sensitive and observant child who notices the struggles of the people around him. He witnesses the bullying and isolation of a young girl named Janie who works at a local fish factory. Tony befriends Janie, and she opens up to him about her unhappy family life. Tony is also haunted by the image of a lonely old man who lives in a shack and is shunned by society. Tony decides to help the old man by offering him a balloon, and their brief encounter reveals the heartbreaking story of the man's past.
As Tony's love for balloons and nature grows stronger, he becomes increasingly aware of the fragility of life and the transience of joy. The climax of the film takes place during a balloon festival where Tony and Janie are competing against each other. The contest takes a tragic turn, revealing the complex emotional depths of the characters and the harsh realities of life in a small town.
What makes Let The Balloon Go a remarkable film is its ability to capture the innocence and wonder of childhood and simultaneously shed light on the larger issues of society. The film is not just about a boy who loves balloons; it is about the human condition and the struggle for happiness in a world that is often cruel and unjust. The film's use of symbolism and metaphors is masterful, as it ties together the various strands of the narrative into a cohesive whole.
The performances of the cast are excellent, with Robert Bettles delivering a memorable and nuanced portrayal of Tony. He conveys both the joy and the sadness of his character with remarkable maturity, considering he was only eight years old at the time of filming. Janet Kingsbury and John Ewart are also impressive as the troubled adults who are struggling with their own demons. The film's naturalistic style and the use of real locations enhance the authenticity of the story and make the film feel like a lived-in experience.
Let The Balloon Go is a must-see for anyone who appreciates thoughtful, introspective cinema. It is a film that speaks to both children and adults and touches on universal themes that are as relevant today as they were in 1976. The film's beautifully realized ending is both poignant and uplifting, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer. Let The Balloon Go remains a classic of Australian cinema and a testament to the power of storytelling.
Let The Balloon Go is a 2015 family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.
