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The Black Balloon (2008)

7.2
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Ratings: 7.2/10 from 5,198 users   Metascore: 68/100
Reviews: 34 user | 40 critic | 12 from Metacritic.com

All Thomas wants is a normal adolescence but his autistic brother, Charlie, thwarts his every opportunity. Will Thomas, with the help of his girlfriend, Jackie, accept his brother?

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Title: The Black Balloon (2008)

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
...
...
...
...
Woman Next Door
Sam Fraser ...
Kid Next Door
Makirum Fahey-Leigh ...
Mate of Kid Next Door
Oliver Brookes ...
Other Mate of Kid Next Door
Jan Ringrose ...
Neighbour
Bradley Orford ...
Neighbour
Zelie Bullen ...
Mother in Van
Anthony Phelan ...
Mr. Masters
Deborah Piper ...
Janet - Social Worker
...
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Storyline

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? Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

From the producer of "Strictly Ballroom." See more »

Genres:

Drama | Romance

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some sexual content, a scene of violence, and brief strong language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

|

Language:

Release Date:

6 March 2008 (Australia)  »

Also Known As:

A fekete léggömb  »

Box Office

Budget:

AUD 5,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$10,342 (USA) (5 December 2008)

Gross:

$10,342 (USA) (5 December 2008)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

At the river, Jackie says "Kieren Perkins, watch out!". Kieren Perkins is an Australian swimmer who won Gold medals at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics and a Silver medal at the 2000 Olympics, swimming in the 1500 metre event. See more »

Quotes

Jackie Masters: Close your eyes, what do you see?
Thomas Mollison: Black.
Jackie Masters: Look harder.
See more »

Connections

Featured in 20 to 1: Sizzling Superstars (2009) See more »

Soundtracks

"Afloat! The Conga"
Written by Michael Yezerski
Performed by Michael Yezerski, Claire McCarthy, Afro Moses and Miriam Rihani
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
excellent, ...!
11 August 2008 | by (Greece) – See all my reviews

the actors, they were astonishing... simply astonishing.

this is a beautiful movie, humane, sentimental, TRUE and not "drama" actually. Why say its a drama? its reality! its LIFE!

I don't have an autistic person in my family, but i know people who have, and I've met children who are autistic. Everybody should know, what this means, what its like for a family, and its members. but most of all, everyone should see, what a human being is capable of, the love, the care, the beauty, the sensitivity, the tolerance, the acceptance, but also all the negative sides, the ignorance, the desperate moments, the anger..

the best movie .... I've seen in years. the only meaningful movie I've seen in years. bravo... to all the participants, the writers, the actors, ... bravo.


22 of 32 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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