The Black Balloon (2008)

Director:

Elissa Down

Writers:

Elissa Down (writer)
Jimmy Jack (writer)

Release Date:

6 March 2008 (Australia)

Genre:

Drama

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? |

Plot Keywords:

Girlfriend | Autistic | Color In Title | Speedo | Short Bus

Awards:

15 wins & 23 nominations

Cast

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

Also Known As:

To mavro baloni (Greece) [el]

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for some sexual content, a scene of violence, and brief strong language.

Runtime:

97 min

Country:

Australia | UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Australia:M | USA:PG-13 | Finland:K-11 | Netherlands:6 | UK:15

Filming Locations:

Bardia Parade, Holsworthy, New South Wales, Australia

Company:

Australian Film Commission, The

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.

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.

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.

Movie Connections:

Featured in "At the Movies: (#6.1)" (2009)

Soundtrack:

Driving Wheels

Effective drama with autism backdrop

This film is an effective coming-of-age drama with the backdrop of autism. Erik Thomson plays a shy 16 year old who's constantly embarrassed by his severely autistic brother, an excellent Luke Ford. Toni Collette plays the pregnant mother and is solid as usual. The drama never becomes morose and there's a playful tone running through the film. Some events are predictable (like the taunting by class-mates and social awkwardness) but they are probably part and parcel of every coming of age drama. The film shows in harrowing detail what it's like to take care of someone with severe autism. Informative and worth watching.

Overall 7/10