The story of a boy and his toy, The Red Balloon is widely praised for its narrative and visual "purity," but not enough is said about the movie's delightful manipulation.

A beautiful little meditation on childhood, on imagination literally taking flight.

As enjoyable for adults who wistfully view scenes of post-war France in all its black and white chicness, as it is for kids.

With an ending that is both tragic and sublime, The Red Balloon has been a critical mainstay for decades.