I just purchased this movie. I have seen it twice now. Religous allegory and painful realism in one movie. Not quite as surreal as Bunuel or Fellini, more subtle. What stikes me as strange are the events that never take place on screen. On the first viewing, I thought that maybe I wasn't paying attention close enough. I guess that is a part of the mystery, though. I loved the party scene with the fireworks. This is a subtle, sad masterpiece.… Collapse

I'm puzzled by the brouhaha around this film. While I generally like moody foreign films, especially those that deal with spiritual themes, I found myself completely turned off by a plot that I found often incoherent and acting which was execrable. And what's with this always pointing the camera at the character's feet? Is that supposed to be the donkey's point of view, or what? Cinematography was otherwise excellent, music fine, & concept fascinating but not well executed.… Expand

There is no hope in this movie, the only thing Bresson offered to us is the truth of life by providing the devastating reality in the most honest way. There was not a single existence of any form of "babblings" in this film but only the "picture" to express one significant message of how uncontrollable life could possibly be--in the end nothing can stop that process and -the world will treat us whatever it treats, undeniably. It's a revolutionary film that is highly capable of allowing the viewers to experience another whole different aspect or sense of "life" that they might never experience before. The Finest French Phenomenon Film.… Expand

A film that a sum of people would be turned off by, Balthazar touches the heart instantly after the 3 minute mark as it tells a tale about the life of a donkey suffering a powerful experience you don't want to miss.

John Q. who gave this film a 2 rating is a prime example of everthing that is wrong with America and its sensibilities. Stop watching film John, it just isn't worth it for you.

This is one of the five or ten most important films ever made, in any language, and one that will never leave the mind of the fortunate viewer who enters Balthazar's world. Bresson's film is about as close to perfect as I can find.

Balthazar is the best movie I've ever seen. I'm a real film buff, too. I've seen a lot of great films. Balthazar makes the audience feel the agony of existence in an unbelievably sublime way.

One of the finest films ever made. Simple, yet eloquently reflects on the joys and agonys of life.

Double-ditto the observations of Yoon Min C's user review. Those who understand the basic truths of life will see them all in this movie. Those who do not, might learn from this movie. And then there are those who consciously choose not to understand - alas, the works of Bresson are not for you.

Why would you want to feel the agony of existence?

Balthasar the donkey is a metaphor for everything powerless, exploited, neglected, and abused in the world. he could stand for aspects of human nature or circumstance. it even says something about the camera and the very art of filmmaking, where the crew and machinery are dragged around, often under the ruthless will of the filmmaker. but, metaphors don't feel pain nor bleed. also, metaphors are therapeutic for the viewer. the true tragedy of balthasar is no matter how we may choose to see him, whether as saint, victim, dumb beast, or a tool, he is what he is. a sad, suffering animal that was born, lived harshly, and died without knowing. perhaps, even our sympathy with the animal is a kind of exploitation. our need to feel good about our compassion, or to feel superior to others who may not care or care not to see the films of bresson. the ending is one of the most horrifically sublime and beautiful ever. after seeing it suffer so much, balthsasar's death should be welcome. yet, this final peace, much deserved and the only humane prospect for balthasar, seems all the more cruel.… Expand

One of the few films that truely matter, this is the pinacle of Bresson's achievements. Sadly this will be lost to the mainstream, but those who dare to explore will be richly rewarded, each viewing remains lyrical and profoundly enduring.

Easily the most depressing movie I've ever seen. What a masterpiece, yet it put me into a depression that lasted two or three months. The final scene is, without question, one of the greatest in film. For the uninitiated, Balthazar plays the role of Jesus Christ in taking on the sin of the world, only to be rejected by humanity. It is, quite simply, extraordinary.

Simply disliked it, however, everyone say itervs just awesome, My wife and I don't think so, I felt asleep, however, I must say that the acting and the effects are... good... I think so... or maybe bad.