Balloon (2020): Cast & Ratings
Balloon is a 2020 drama thriller directed by Michael Herbig, starring Thomas Kretschmann as Oberstleutnant Seidel, David Kross and Jonas Holdenrieder. It runs 2 hours 5 minutes. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.5/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 5m (125 min)
- Director
- Michael Herbig
- Original language
-
Tibetan
- Studio
- ARP Sélection
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Balloon About?
The premise of Balloon without spoilers.
In 1979 East Germany, as the government’s control intensifies, two families risk everything to escape to the West. Their audacious plan involves building a homemade hot-air balloon. After their first attempt fails and crash-lands near the border, they must quickly construct a new balloon while desperately trying to outwit the ever-watchful Stasi, who are determined to stop them.
Balloon Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- east germany
- east german defector
- stasi
- hot air balloon
- year 1979
- manhunt
- electrician
- father son relationship
- berlin germany
- 1970s
- teenage son
- defection
+38 more Show fewer
- based on true story
- kindergarten teacher
- germany
- lieutenant colonel
- hot air balloon crash
- year 1989
- east berlin east germany
- hotel room
- u.s. embassy
- archive footage
- teenage boy
- teenage girl
- first kiss
- kite flying
- pharmacy
- pharmacist
- reference to kiss
- reference to farrah fawcett
- husband wife relationship
- group of friends
- reference to erich honecker
- interrogation
- reference to erich mielke
- two on a motorcycle
- pretending to be drunk
- sewing
- sewing machine
- west german east german border
- physicist
- american abroad
- american in east germany
- mother son talk
- mother son relationship
- kindergarten
- fabric
- border patrol officer
- speech
- propane tank
Balloon Cast & Characters
Thomas Kretschmann leads the cast as Oberstleutnant Seidel, with David Kross as Günter Wetzel and Jonas Holdenrieder as Frank Strelzyk. Directed by Michael Herbig; 10 actors are credited in all.
- Director Michael Herbig
-
Thomas Kretschmann as Oberstleutnant Seidel -
David Kross as Günter Wetzel -
Jonas Holdenrieder as Frank Strelzyk - Karoline Schuch as Doris Strelzyk
Also Starring in Balloon
· 6 more- Friedrich Mücke Peter Strelzyk
- Alicia von Rittberg Petra Wetzel
- Christian Näthe Hauptmann Heym
- Tilman Döbler Andreas 'Fitscher' Strelzyk
- Till Patz Peterchen Wetzel
- Ben Teichmann Andreas Wetzel
More from Michael Herbig
More films directed by Michael Herbig, best-rated first: Balloon, A Thousand Lines and Erkan & Stefan.
Balloon Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Balloon 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 85/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (80).
Balloon Echo Score Breakdown
Balloon offers a quietly compelling exploration of courage and human resilience in rural Tibet. The film’s restrained narrative is supported by striking visuals and nuanced performances that highlight the intimate impact of broader social forces. The deliberate pacing and layered symbolism invite close engagement without overt didacticism. While its contemplative tone may challenge viewers seeking conventional drama arcs, the film’s cohesive aesthetic and emotional sincerity combine to deliver a memorable cinematic experience.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 90
In terms of direction and cinematography, the film excels through its austere yet poetic compositions. The framing of rural landscapes and precise editing underscore moments of visual poetry, from transporting sheep by motorbike to windswept plains. Production design remains understated but cohesive. Overall, the artful craft supports an immersive and authentic atmosphere.
- Character & Emotion 85
When it comes to character depth and emotion, the lead performances convey a measured authenticity that grounds the narrative. Subtle gestures and restrained dialogue reveal nuanced interpersonal dynamics and personal stakes. The ensemble chemistry balances moments of gentle humor and quiet tension. In sum, the character portrayals offer a deeply humane perspective on individual courage.
- Story & Flow 80
In terms of plot coherence and pacing, the drama unfolds at a deliberate pace that underscores its thematic resonance. The narrative progression remains clear even as it embraces symbolism and cultural context. Occasional lulls serve the film’s elegiac tone rather than impede engagement. Overall, the story maintains a cohesive structure that rewards patient attention.
- Sensory Experience 85
When it comes to sensory experience, the film prioritizes environmental soundscapes over a traditional score, allowing the wind and rural ambiance to become integral audio elements. The visual style employs naturalistic lighting and muted tones that harmonize with the raw landscape. This approach yields a consistent sensory coherence that heightens immersion without distraction.
- Rewatch Factor 80
In terms of rewatch value, the film’s layered symbolism and subtle character moments invite further reflection on subsequent viewings. The understated narrative reveals new cultural and thematic nuances each time, even as the deliberate pace remains consistent. While the contemplative style may not appeal to all tastes, the refined craftsmanship rewards attentive repeat engagement.
-
IMDb 7.5 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 100% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 50%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 76% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.6 /5
5 ratings
See on Letterboxd
Balloon Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Balloon.
Balloon Also Known As
7 alternative titles, including “Qiqiu” and “气球”.
- Also known as
-
- Qiqiu
- 气球
- Qi qiu
- 풍선
- Воздушный шарик
- 氣球
- Balónek
Seen Balloon?
Movies Like Balloon
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Night Crossing, Balloon and The Flight.
Balloon FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Balloon, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Balloon?
Balloon runs 2 hours 5 minutes (125 minutes).
When was Balloon released?
Balloon was released on February 21, 2020.
Who directed Balloon?
Balloon was directed by Michael Herbig.
More films by Michael Herbig Who is in the cast of Balloon?
Balloon stars Thomas Kretschmann as Oberstleutnant Seidel, David Kross as Günter Wetzel and Jonas Holdenrieder as Frank Strelzyk, among 10 credited actors.
How is Balloon rated?
Balloon has 7.5/10 on IMDb, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 76% on TMDB and 3.6/5 on Letterboxd.
Does Balloon have a post-credit scene?
No. Balloon has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Balloon in?
The original language of Balloon is Tibetan.
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