The Magic of Film
The scene I would like to describe comes from a short film called The Red Balloon, which is directed by a French filmmaker- Albert Lamorisse in 1956.
The story tells about a friendship that happened between a little boy ( about 7 years old) and a red balloon. On a grey morning, the little boy finds the red balloon hanging on a telegraph pole in his way to school. He unties the rope and gives freedom to the balloon. However, the balloon has its own life and wants to say thanks to the little boy, so it follows the boy wherever he goes. They take bus, go to church and wander in the open air market to appreciate various antiques and paintings together. Sometimes, the red balloon plays hide and seek with the boy, making him angry and worried. It seems there is no power that can separate the pair of intimate fellows. On a lovely afternoon the red balloon falls in love with a blue balloon being hold by a pretty little girl when they encounter each other on the street. The red balloon flies away from the boy and kisses its lover.
However, their pure friendship and attachment incurs envy from a gang of boys living in the same community. They chase the little boy and want to catch his red balloon. At last, the little boy fails to protect his loyal friend. The boys from the gang tie the red balloon to use as a target in a big square. One tiny stone is shoot to the red balloon. The camera records the whole process during which the injured balloon is going to die. The spectator witnesses the baloon releasing all of the air (his life), laying down on the mud. Audiences watch the death of the red balloon, the destruction of purity and beauty caused by jealousy and violence.
The director does not intend to make us disappointed and gives another hopeful end. Hearing the mourn of the little boy, all of colorful balloons escape from their houses or rooms to come to console him. The little boy collects them and flies to the sky. At this moment, audiences forget the sorrow and follow the little being flown to the sky by the balloons. (with wishes to the future.)
I am touched by this simple story and the beautiful friendship. Innocent things usually intrigue the desire of destruction. However, good films have magic to amend those sad stories and give us hopes to keep going.
