Balloon

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Balloon

2020

1h 42m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

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16 Reviews

50%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

A Tibetan family struggles against the conflicting dictates of spirituality, politics and free will under China's two-child policy.

Wendy Ide

Guardian

Casts a typically wry eye over the collision between modernity and tradition in 1980s Tibet, paying particular attention to gentle comic details, delicate layers of symbolism and improbable shots of sheep being transported on motorbikes.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 21, 2021

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Danny Leigh

Financial Times

Tseden walks a subtle line - not attacking the state but putting a spotlight on the microcosmic human effects of far-off policy decisions.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 21, 2021

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David Jenkins

Little White Lies

https://lwlies.com/reviews/balloon/

Rated: 4/5

Oct 21, 2021

Full Review

Jane Freebury

The Canberra Times (Australia)

It is a gripping drama with solid lead performances about a crazy-brave feat of courage.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 18, 2022

Full Review

Filipe Freitas

Always Good Movies

It becomes strangely moving during the peacefully elegiac third act, and it's beauty, unpretentiousness and message should be enough to appeal beyond its art house niche.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 24, 2021

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Edward Porter

Sunday Times (UK)

A quiet but strong drama with moments of fascinating visual beauty.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 21, 2021

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Audience Member

Predictably critically acclaimed. I am not saying it's the worst thing l have ever seen but you do have to wait until half way through the film before some sort of plot breaks out. There are some curious scenes such as a conversation between a lady doctor and embarrassed patient which we see mostly obscured by a column and when another conversation of great import takes place in front of a dung heap. If you are of a mind to watch it, find out beforehand the consequences of failing to observe the one child policy. Without that the main dramatic action makes little sense.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

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Pema Tseden

Director

Jinpa

Actor

Yangshik Tso

Actor

Sonam Wangmo

Actor

Pema Tseden

Screenwriter

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Synopsis

A Tibetan family struggles against the conflicting dictates of spirituality, politics and free will under China's two-child policy.

Director: Pema Tseden
Screenwriter: Pema Tseden
Production Co: Mani Stone Pictures, September Film Distribution
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Tibetan
Runtime: 1h 42m