The Red Balloon (1956)

Lots of kids bring home stray dogs or cats but how many can say to their mother, "Mom, a balloon followed me home. Can I keep it?" But that is indeed the premise of Albert Lamorisse's critically acclaimed short, "The Red Balloon".

I personally am blown away by how affectively this film employs show, don't tell and uses set-up's and pay-off's and stakes to create drama around what, one would think, would be a rather undramatic subject. I am also very impressed with the film's use of color.

While commenting on this little treasure, think about the following:

- In what specific ways does the filmmakers' use of color add to the film?

- What techniques does the writer use to encourage the audience to be invested in the balloon's survival? Did those techniques work for you? Why or why not?

- In what ways can this be considered a French New Wave film? Explain (thoroughly).

Or maybe you'd like to do some cultural research. I would really like to know why the balloons in the film are so large. Is that a French thing, a 1950's thing, or just a stylistic choice for the movie?

Harakiri (1962)

Welcome everyone to the dark side of the samurai. In contrast to Seven Samurai, this film depicts our favorite katana-wielding warriors and their codes and customs in a much less favorable light. Here are the questions to get the conversation started:

- How did this film help you understand Japanese / samurai culture better? What questions did it raise about the culture?

- Which do you like better, Seven Samurai or this film? Why?

- What have you learned about Japanese culture in this class which helped you appreciate this film more?

Or, you might do some research and report on it. Here are some cultural things you might research:

- What is harakiri? How does understanding harakiri help you appreciate this film more?

- The film depicts katana sword fights as a lot of waiting and only slices at key moments when you have the advantage. Is this an accurate depiction of samurai fighting styles? Explain.

Second Movie at Home

The third dead line for the International Cinema term-long project is approaching. By Tuesday, April 24, you need to watch a second film from your country and respond to it in a comment below. This could mean watching another film from that culture or rewatching the first one. In your response, tell us of your name, remind us which country you're focusing on, and tell us the film you watched for this step. Also, answer at least two of the following questions in at least four paragraphs:


- How did the interview you did with someone from your chosen country help you appreciate this film?


- Imagine an American friend of yours were going to watch this film. What would tell this friend to prepare him or her to enjoy it?


- What did you like most about the film? What did you like least? If this was your second time watching it, how was it different for you this time? Why?

The Italian (2005)

The Italian is a beautiful and quiet film about a Russian orphan who is lucky enough to be adopted but then runs away to find his biological parents. When responding to this one, consider the following:

- How do you feel about the pacing of this film?

- How does what you learned from Alla Volkova about Russian culture and filmmaking help you appreciate this film more? What questions did this film raise about Russian culture?

- What did you like most about this film? What did you not like?

Operation "Y" & Other Shurik's Adventures (1965)

I'm sure glad that Alla Volkova (my amazing Russian filmmaker friend who so graciously spoke to our class) recommended we watch this amazing collection of three comedic shorts. Those Soviets sure know how to make comedy! Maybe being suppressed by a totalitarian government wouldn't be so made if you get to watch Shurik all day! JK. As you respond to this one, think about the following:

- What did the filmmakers' use of sound do for you?

- What did you learn from Alla that helped you appreciate this film more? Give lots of specific examples. What questions did the film raise for you about Russian culture?

- For you, what were the funniest moments of the Shurik films? Why? What moments didn't work for you? Why?