The first dialogue-less film to receive an Oscar nomination for its screenplay since the silent era (it went on to win), Albert Lamorisse's simple fable about the unique friendship between a lonely boy and a vibrant red balloon remains one of the most enchanting children's films ever made. Responding with adorable naturalism to his father's direction, Pascal Lamorisse seems lost in awe at the mischievous balloon's ingenuity as it follows him across Paris and into his classroom. The triumph of loyalty and love over envy and cruelty is a weighty message for such a slight tale. But Lamorisse carries it off magnificently with a joyous balloon-filled finale.