The White Balloon
The White Balloon

Movie spotlight

The White Balloon

1995
Movie
85 min
Persian

Several people try to take advantage of a little girl's innocence to hustle money her mom gave to her to buy a goldfish with.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes92%
Metacritic82/100
Google Users89%
Director: Jafar PanahiGenres: Family, Drama

Plot Summary

A young girl named Razieh is determined to buy a goldfish for the Iranian New Year, but she loses the money her mother gave her. She and her brother embark on a quest through the bustling Tehran marketplace to retrieve the lost funds before the shops close and the New Year begins. Their journey is filled with small adventures and encounters with various characters.

Critical Reception

The White Balloon was critically acclaimed for its simple yet profound storytelling, its authentic portrayal of childhood, and its subtle social commentary. It resonated with audiences worldwide for its universal themes of childhood perseverance and the realities of daily life in Tehran.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its innocent and heartwarming depiction of a child's determined quest.

  • Commended for its authentic glimpse into everyday life in Tehran.

  • Applauded for its subtle social commentary and universal themes.

Google audience: Google users frequently highlight the film's charm, its relatable protagonist, and its ability to convey complex emotions through a simple narrative. Many found it to be a touching and memorable viewing experience.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Camera d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1995.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in Tehran during the chaotic days leading up to the Iranian New Year, with many of the background actors being genuine shoppers and shopkeepers.

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