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
Alan Ruck explains how such awful people make such compelling characters on HBO's "Succession."
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Title: Balthazar (1966)
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6 wins & 2 nominations.
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Edit
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:
$8,436, 19 October 2003Gross USA:
$45,406Cumulative Worldwide Gross:
$45,406Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
MonoColor:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.66 : 1
Edit
[Marie's father turns away]
Priest: You must forgive. Everyone. Much will be forgiven you. You have suffered.
Marie's father: I may suffer less than you think.
Priest: [Reading] God does not foresake forever. He may punish, yet he will have compassion. H does not willingly afflict the children of men.
See more »
Written by Franz Schubert
Performed by Jean-Joël Barbier
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
This film has a 100% rating based on 39 critic reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. 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's mother: He is in despair. Comfort him.[Marie's father turns away]
Priest: You must forgive. Everyone. Much will be forgiven you. You have suffered.
Marie's father: I may suffer less than you think.
Priest: [Reading] God does not foresake forever. He may punish, yet he will have compassion. H does not willingly afflict the children of men.
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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In this movie, which has for an original subject a donkey, we see the chance of characters that the donkey encounters, their destiny and lives. It is not a bright vision of life, though it is realistic and sincere. Life is made of few things, and this donkey, named Balthazar like one of the Magus King, is the line between all those different lives. He suffers the cupidity, the stupidity or even the simple evilness of humans.
The non-professional actors, as surprising they may be for the non-initiated public, really add to the fascination that comes out this movie.
Bresson is a real master in cinema art, and as we follow this poor Balthazar, we understand great things about life.