Balloon

When you sit down for a 2-hour film and the first 10 minutes are gorgeous, you settle in, content and totally open to the cinematic experience you're about to savour. If it were just the (true) story of the East German family racing the Stasi to escape to the west, the film would've been intriguing. Or if it were just a film that was technically well made with a strong directorial hand (:clap_tone3: Michael Bully Herbig), lush cinematography (:clap_tone3: Torsten Breuer), and flawless soundscaping (:clap_tone3: Marvin Miller and Ralf Wengenmayr) then it would've been engaging. But combine both of these elements and you have an artful film, because it is both skilfully made and full of art. A strong recommend. PS Be sure to stay for the credits to see the actual photographs of those involved and their exploits.

Film 76 (Goal: 300) of 2024 I can't remember what brought Balloon to my attention but I was immediately drawn in from the beautiful poster (posters matter people) and the interesting synopsis. However it's sat idle on my watchlist until a departure warning jolted me into gear. And I'm really grateful for that because Balloon is an amazing, harrowing, nerve racking film that I couldn't turn away from. Balloon worked for me on every level, from the family and residential drama, to the window of opportunity becoming smaller. I was hooked. One of the best films I've seen lately.