Hou Hsiao-Hsien's newest is an evident, yet abstracted homage to the Lamorisse's original and a curious expansion
of Hou's filmmaking style, moving from the stunning formalism of his asian films to a more bustling cosmopolitan
European setting. Unlike some of the other east-to-west ventures by notable names in contemporary cinema
(Wong Kar-Wai's recent disaster "My Blueberry Nights" comes to mind), Hou's newest has inspired positive
reviews and a fluid transition of the director's art to new western subject matter and context.
Link to IFC Films "Flight of the Red Balloon" site
Link to Landmark Theatres "Flight of the Red Balloon" screening schedule
From the IFC:
"A highlight at the 2007 Cannes, Toronto and New York film festivals, FLIGHT OF THE RED BALLOON is the latest
masterpiece from Hou Hsiao Hsien (CAFE, LUMIERE, THREE TIMES). Inspired by Albert Lamorisse*s 1956 Academy
Award Winning classic, THE RED BALLOON, Hou expands on its key elements-a young boy, a red balloon and Paris
- to weave an achingly beautiful tale on the mysteries of familial bonds and the lingering effects the past has on us
all. A precious young boy, Simon (Simon Iteanu) must deal with the increasing fragility of his mother, the loving yet preoccupied Suzanne (Academy Award Winner Juliette Binoche of THE ENGLISH PATIENT, CACHE). Completely
immersed in her own tribulations, Suzanne hires Song (Song Fan), a Taiwanese film student, to help care for Simon.
Together with Song, a unique extended family is formed, utterly interdependent yet lost in separate thoughts and
dreams mirrored by a delicate, shiny red balloon."
