The story of a mistreated donkey and the people around him. A study on saintliness and a sister piece to Bresson's Mouchette.
Director:
Robert BressonWriter:
Robert Bresson
From metacritic.com
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Title: Au Hasard Balthazar (1966)
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5 wins & 2 nominations.
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Anne Wiazemsky | ... | Marie | |
 |
Walter Green | ... | Jacques |
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François Lafarge | ... | Gérard |
| Jean-Claude Guilbert | ... | Arnold | |
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Philippe Asselin | ... | Marie's Father |
| Pierre Klossowski | ... | Merchant | |
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Nathalie Joyaut | ... | Marie's Mother |
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Marie-Claire Frémont | ... | Baker's Wife |
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Jean-Joël Barbier | ... | The Priest |
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Guy Renault | ||
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Jean Rémignard | ... | Notary |
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Guy Brejac | ||
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Mylène Weyergans | ||
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Jacques Sorbets | ... | Police Officer |
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François Sullerot | ... | Baker |
Edit
Plot Summary
|
Plot Synopsis
Storyline
This is the story of a donkey and the somewhat difficult life it leads. During a summer holiday, the baby donkey is a child's pet but when they return home, it begins it's life of misery. It works as a farm animal, pulling a delivery cart and working as any manner as various owners require of it. Meanwhile, the young girl who first acquired Balthazar as a pet grows up, only to be badly treated herself by an indifferent and selfish boyfriend. Written by garykmcd
Genres:
DramaParents Guide:
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Details
Release Date:
25 May 1966 (France) See more »Also Known As:
Au Hasard Balthazar See more »Filming Locations:
Guyancourt, Yvelines, FranceEdit
Box Office
Opening Weekend USA:
$8,325, 19 October 2003, Limited ReleaseGross USA:
$39,388, 14 December 2003Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
MonoColor:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.66 : 1
Edit
Merchant: I believe in what I own. I love money. I hate death.
Marie: You'll die like everyone else.
Merchant: I will bury them all.
See more »
Written by Franz Schubert
Performed by Jean-Joël Barbier
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
In an interview, Bresson said he was inspired to make the story after reading a passage in Dostoyevsky's novel The Idiot, in which the main character the Prince mentions his special fondness among animals for the lowly donkey. See more »Goofs
The "for Sale" sign that is on the fence when Balthazar runs through the gate is different to the one seen in close-up. Also, when he runs through the gate, the sign is in shadow but in close-up it is in full sun. See more »Quotes
Marie: Don't you believe in anything?Merchant: I believe in what I own. I love money. I hate death.
Marie: You'll die like everyone else.
Merchant: I will bury them all.
See more »
Soundtracks
Piano Sonata No.20 in A Major, II. Andantino (D. 959)Written by Franz Schubert
Performed by Jean-Joël Barbier
See more »
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It took me years to track down a video copy of this rare film. It was definitely worth searching for. It's my favorite of Bresson's films. A very intense and dark drama about the quality of human and animal life on the face of the earth. This film will definitely bring you to your knees.