Cinema Society

THE BLACK BALLOON

Average
Rating

4.6

Tuesday, March 03, 2009, Landmark's La Jolla Village Cinemas

TUESDAY, MARCH 3

Field Trip to the Landmark’s La Jolla Village Cinemas!

5:00pm or 7:30pm (You Pick!)

THE BLACK BALLOON

Landmark La Jolla Village Theatre

Winner, 2008 Australian Film Institute Award, Best Film

THE BLACK BALLOON

When Thomas (Rhys Wakefield) and his family move to a new home and he has to start at a new school, all he wants is to fit in. When his pregnant mother (Toni Collette) has to take things easy, his father Simon (Erik Thomson) puts him in charge of his autistic older brother Charlie (Luke Ford).

Thomas, with the help of his new girlfriend Jackie (Gemma Ward), faces his biggest challenge yet. Charlie's unusual antics take Thomas on an emotional journey that causes his pent-up frustrations about his brother to pour out - in a story that is funny, confronting, and ultimately heart-warming. The Black Balloon is a story about fitting in, discovering love and accepting your family.

Representing a major directorial debut for Australian filmmaker Elissa Down, THE BLACK BALLOON stars Toni Collette, Rhys Wakefield and Gemma Ward. A NeoClassics Film Release, it opens commercially in San Diego on March 13th at Landmark Theatres.

Rated PG-13 for some sexual content, a scene of violence, and brief strong language. Running time: 97 minutes

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT TAKES PLACE AT LANDMARK’S

LA JOLLA VILLAGE CINEMAS, 8879 VILLA LA JOLLA DRIVE

(619-819-0236), 5:00PM OR 7:30PM—YOU PICK!

ALSO PLEASE NOTE: PLEASE BRING YOUR SEASON PASS WITH YOU FOR ADMISSION!

Send a Comment

9-Mar-09: Adam Koltz - Rating: 5

I thought the film was terrific; difficult to watch at times, but extremely well-acted. I could feel the frustration, rage, acceptance and love that the non-autistic brother experienced. Great pick, Andy!

7-Mar-09: ms - Rating: 5

Really powerful, well done. It confirmed my admiration for Toni Collette

5-Mar-09: Trish Ashe - Rating: 5

This movie was one of the best I have seen this year. Portraying the human condition to the nth degree, it allows the viewer to understand how we are all interconnected and need one another for survivial, guidance, love and acceptance. In his darkest hour, the protagonist finds an "angel" on earth; a kindred spirit who understands his pain and appreciates and loves him when he cannot do so for himself. The movie tackles an uncomfortable subject (autism) but manages to find levity and joy in daily gifts. On many levels, this movie teaches us about our responsibility to one another and the ability to overcome seemingly grave and daunting conditions. The human spirit rises above the immediate and thrives. Beautifully acted and filmed.

4-Mar-09: M.Roe - Rating: 4

It's certainly difficult to say I enjoyed the film "Black Balloon", as it is at times a tough film to get through but as always I am better for the journey. Though "Rain Man" was mentioned in comparison during the after discussion, I can't help but think of "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" (a film that I believe if Leonardo Di Caprio had been a little more well known might/should have won the Oscar), this film seemed just a little more real and probably closer to home for those that have first hand experience or know someone close to them that has a similar life. A movie like this can't help make one extremely grateful for a healthy existence.

4-Mar-09: JFY - Rating: 4

Seemed to show a very realistic view of life with an autistic brother, more so than other film about this topic. As someone else described it "A coming of age movie for people who are sick of coming of age movies", I agree. One issue is the character of Jackie Masters, she is just a bit too perfect, she is not only gorgeous but has a beautiful personality and although she gets mildly upset a couple of times, she's always back with a "wow-wee", only in the movies. Luke Ford was amazing as Charlie. Another winner Andy.

3-Mar-09: Susan Sincoff - Rating: 5

Wow! You weren't whistling Dixie, Andy, when you said this movie was hard to watch at times...but what a fine, honest, painful and important movie this is! It was more like watching a documentary some of the time. The only scene that didn't ring true was the monkey performance...there was nothing prior to that scene to indicate that Charlie could perform like that, but otherwise, every note rang true and the acting was amazing! Thanks!