What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this French-language film will not appeal to kids who aren't ready to read subtitles during movies. Families with foreign-film-savvy children should know that this one includes some mature themes about family make-up (single mother, absentee father, full-time nanny), relationships, and urban life. There's no violence or consumerism, but a few French profanities are translated into the subtitles ("s--t" is the most frequent culprit). Unsurprisingly, some adult characters smoke and drink wine.
- Families can talk about the movie's artful depiction of life in France, puppetry, and photography/filmmaking.
- The mother's regular smoking could be framed within the context of European culture versus the United States' increasing "no smoking" culture. What are the cultural differences and similarities between life in France and life in the United States?
- How is the son's absent father depicted? How is this unconventional family portrayed?
- What do you think the red balloon symbolizes in the film?