# The Black Balloon (2008)

> A tender Australian teen drama about first love, sibling responsibility, and learning to see an autistic brother beyond public embarrassment.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/4198

## Facts

- Runtime: 97 min
- Genres: Drama
- Director: Elissa Down
- Cast: Rhys Wakefield, Luke Ford, Toni Collette, Erik Thomson, Gemma Ward, Sarah Woods, Sam Fraser, Zelie Bullen
- TMDB rating: 6.3/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0865297/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: strong
- Complexity: accessible
- Violence: none
- Mood: tender, warm, awkward, quiet weekend, coming of age double feature

## Synopsis

A poignant coming-of-age story that explores the complexities of family and adolescence.

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- [Somers Town (2008)](https://ember.film/movie/8442)
- [Adoration (2013)](https://ember.film/movie/73995)
- [Young Hearts (2024)](https://ember.film/movie/2981074)
- [Submarine (2011)](https://ember.film/movie/32902)
- [Babyteeth (2020)](https://ember.film/movie/362177)
- [Kangaroo Island (2025)](https://ember.film/movie/7327467)
- [Mozart and the Whale (2005)](https://ember.film/movie/13900)
- [December Boys (2007)](https://ember.film/movie/2672)
- [Somersault (2004)](https://ember.film/movie/10032)

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