Feb. 02, 1995|Iran|85 Min.|n/A
Genre: Drama
Description: The White Balloon, released in 1995, tells the story of a young girl named Razieh, played by Aida Mohammadkhani, on the eve of the Iranian New Year. The film begins in a bustling market in Tehran, where Razieh and her mother are shopping. Razieh spots a goldfish in a shop and insists on buying it for the New Year celebrations, hoping to replace the thin ones in their family pond.
After returning home, Razieh remains upset about her mother’s refusal to buy the goldfish and continues to plead her case. Her older brother, Ali, played by Mohsen Kalifi, returns from an errand but is scolded for bringing soap instead of shampoo. Razieh then convinces Ali to help her persuade their mother, offering him a balloon as a bribe. Although Ali thinks the goldfish is a waste of money, he agrees to help. Their mother eventually gives in and hands Razieh a 500-toman banknote, instructing her to bring back the change.
Razieh sets off with a glass jar to the fish shop a few blocks away. However, on her journey, she loses the money twice—first during an encounter with a snake charmer and then when it falls through a grate at the entrance of a closed store.
Throughout the film, the bustling market scene introduces key characters, though they are not fully revealed until later. The story captures Razieh’s determination and the challenges she faces in her quest to bring home the goldfish for the New Year celebration.
Cast director: Jafar Panahi
Cast actor: Aida Mohammadkhani, Mohsen Kafili, Fereshteh Sadr Orafaee, Anna Borkowska, Mohammad Shahani
Original name: بادکنک سفید