The Black Balloon

Today's movie outing was to see this Australian feature about a family living and dealing with Autism. A family of four is new to the neighbourhood. One son is nearing sixteen and struggling with his love for his severely Autistic brother and resentment that his brother's condition imposes so much difficulty and embarrassment for himself and his parents.

The writer/director of this feature grew up in a family where Autism was present and the storyline rings true with situations she obviously experienced in her own family. Toni Collette is the 'name' star in this film. She is making a career from playing mothers as she does here. It's a fine performance of a mother with endless love under stress. Luke Ford is strikingly convincing as the Autistic son. The other main performers all contribute strongly.

This film provides overseas viewers with an interesting picture of tropical Queensland lifestyle in the 1980s.

It is not easy to view this sometimes distressing depiction of a family under stress and the lack of sympathy and understanding of many bystanders but this is a fine film.