An homage to the classic Albert Lamorisse’s 1956 short film The Red Balloon, director Hou Hsiao-Hsien’s Flight of the Red Balloon uses the key elements of the original film and expands on them to make the tale his own.

Keeping the setting in Paris, the lead a young boy and the elusive balloon, Hsiao-Hsien also maintains the dreamy ethereal qualities of Lamorisse’s masterpiece.

Grade: A

Flight of the Red Balloon is currently available.