IMDb > The Black Balloon (2008)
The Black Balloon
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The Black Balloon (2008) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 5 | slideshow) Videos (see all 8)
The Black Balloon (2008) -- 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 (Ward), accept his brother?
The Black Balloon (2008) -- 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 (Ward), accept his brother?
The Black Balloon (2008) -- kino-zeit.de - Trailer (Flash)

Overview

User Rating:
7.5/10   2,114 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 5% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers:
Elissa Down (writer)
Jimmy Jack (writer)
Contact:
View company contact information for The Black Balloon on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
6 March 2008 (Australia) more
Genre:
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
Awards:
15 wins & 23 nominations more
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)

User Comments:
A entertaining yet sometimes uncomfortable movie. 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
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

MPAA:
Rated PG-13 for some sexual content, a scene of violence, and brief strong language.
Runtime:
97 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:

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. more
Goofs:
Anachronisms: The school uniforms, casual clothes worn by the actors, and the father's military uniform suggest that the film is set in the late 1980s. The military vehicles, however, did not come into service until the 1990s. more
Quotes:
Jackie Masters: Close your eyes, what do you see?
Thomas Mollison: Black.
Jackie Masters: Look harder.
more
Movie Connections:
Featured in "At the Movies: (#6.1)" (2009) more
Soundtrack:
Country Girls more

FAQ

What does SCAB stand for?
A Note Regarding Spoilers
Is "The Black Balloon" based on a book?
more
24 out of 31 people found the following comment useful.
A entertaining yet sometimes uncomfortable movie., 6 March 2008
7/10
Author: Paul Hayes from Australia

As my folks both worked in mental health care facilities, this movie reminded me of visits to their workplace. The audience at my screening were very quiet, yes I know it is a drama, but some aspects of Charlie behavior and reactions of others is quite funny. I felt guilty laughing in some scenes, hopefully it is not a sign of underlying mental issues!

It does make you feel for those who care and live with people with special needs. A movie such as should be a real wake up call, love your family, it's the only one you have got.

A good movie overall.

7/10

Was the above comment useful to you?
more (20 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Black Balloon (2008)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Gemma Ward Performance kuba_1980
Unrealistic Scenes sunbatt50
In what decade was this film set? kite33
Why It's Bad [spoilers] willywilly
How old was Charlie supposed to be? vinylfish
Anyone got the soundtrack? Biggest_Loser
more

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