The White Balloon
1995 · Movie · Unrated · 85 min · ★ 7.5 · 76% critics
A young child heads out into the busy streets of Tehran with money from home to buy a goldfish for the New Year. When the cash goes missing, a small crisis turns into a day of tense, hopeful encounters with strangers who might help, ignore, or take advantage.
Where to watch
Not currently available to stream in the US.
1 hour to watch.
Not currently available to stream, rent, or buy in the US.
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Original title
- بادکنک سفید
- Years
- 1995
- Release date
- 1995-01-02
- Language
- FA
- Rated
- Unrated
- Runtime
- 85 min
- Critic score
- 76/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.5/10 (119 votes)
About
If you enjoy small, real-time stories that turn everyday errands into gentle suspense and a slice of daily life, this may click; Not for you if you need big plot turns or fast pacing like Children of Heaven.
Pros: simple but effective story; everyday Iranian life; tense, optimistic journey | Cons: slow pace for some; uneven child behavior; a few forced moments
Themes
- fish
- money
- celebration
- goldfish
Awards & recognition
- International Submission to the Academy Awards · 1996 · nominated
Cast & crew
- AM
Aida Mohammadkhani
as Razieh
- MK
Mohsen Kafili
as Ali
Fereshteh Sadr Orafaee
as Mother
- AB
Anna Borkowska
as Old Lady
- MS
Mohammad Shahani
as Soldier
- MB
Mohammad Bakhtiar
as Tailor
- AS
Aliasghar Smadi
as Balloon Seller
- HT
Hamidreza Tahery
as Reza
- AB
Asghar Barzegar
as Pet Shop Manager
- HN
Hasan Neamotolahi
as Snake Charmer
Directed by Jafar Panahi