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The Black Balloon (2008)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
6 March 2008 (Australia)
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Plot:
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? | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Girlfriend
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Autistic
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Color In Title
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Speedo
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Short Bus
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Awards:
15 wins
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23 nominations
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NewsDesk:
(14 articles)
'Rachel Getting Married' Sweeps 2009 Prism Awards in Film
(From Aceshowbiz. 23 April 2009, 11:34 PM, PDT)
Movie Review: The Black Balloon
(From MovieRetriever. 5 March 2009, 10:29 PM, PST)
(From Aceshowbiz. 23 April 2009, 11:34 PM, PDT)
Movie Review: The Black Balloon
(From MovieRetriever. 5 March 2009, 10:29 PM, PST)
User Comments:
A brilliant debut
more (20 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only) | Rhys Wakefield | ... | Thomas Mollison |
 | Luke Ford | ... | Charlie Mollison |
 | Toni Collette | ... | Maggie Mollison |
 | Erik Thomson | ... | Simon Mollison |
 | Gemma Ward | ... | Jackie Masters |
 | Sarah Woods | ... | 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 |
| Andy Meritakis | ... | Daniel |
| Henry Nixon | ... | Trevor |
| Anthony Phelan | ... | Mr. Masters |
| Deborah Piper | ... | Janet - Social Worker |
Additional Details
MPAA:
Rated PG-13 for some sexual content, a scene of violence, and brief strong language.
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
97 min
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
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.
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Goofs:
Factual errors: Although the film is set in Sydney (New South Wales), the Mollison's car has a Queensland number-plate. This is not unusual given that the family has just moved into the neighbourhood. However, it would be expected that the vehicle registration would be changed to NSW and the number-plates would also be changed within six months of the move. Given the apparent timeline of the film, this would be expected to have occurred.
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Quotes:
Maggie Mollison:
Your brother will never be able to do the things you can Thomas, He will live with us for the rest of his life.
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Movie Connections:
Featured in "20 to 1: Sizzling Superstars (#8.15)" (2009)
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Soundtrack:
Afloat! The Greatest
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FAQ
What does the title mean?What is this movie about?
Is "The Black Balloon" based on a book?
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Elissa Down has used her personal experience of growing up with two autistic brothers, one of whom she describes as a "Rainman" character, and the other the inspiration for Charlie, the autistic and ADHD-afflicted brother of Thomas. The story is touching, sometimes side-splittingly funny, sometimes tragically upsetting, but ultimately uplifting. There isn't a weak performance, and as usual Toni Collette gives a believable portrayal of a mother whose strength holds her family together. Luke Ford is amazing as Charlie, reminiscent of Leonardo Di Caprio in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" It's good to see an Australian film that tackles such a difficult subject, and does so brilliantly.