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“The Greatest Bresson of them all” – film critic Greg Klymkiw

“It’s the simplest yet most complex of films, a tale of human frailty, kindness, and avarice seen through the eyes of a donkey.” – CRITERION COLLECTION

Au Hasard Balthazar is “the world in an hour and a half” – according to French New Wave filmmaker JEAN-LUC GODARD.

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THE TALE OF A DONKEY

The tale is simple. Balthazar as a foal receives the love, gentle caresses and blessings of Maria and Jacques who also pledge their eternal love for each other before both the Heavens and the dark coloured, white-tufted gentle donkey. As time passes, however, Balthazar is passed from owner to owner - experiencing brutal beatings and back-breaking work.

http://klymkiwfilmcorner.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/au-hasard-balthazar-review-by-greg.html

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REVIEWS

“The Greatest Bresson of them all” – film critic Greg Klymkiw

“This is great art - it grows with you and remains universal.” film critic Greg Klymkiw

“It’s the simplest yet most complex of films, a tale of human frailty, kindness, and avarice seen through the eyes of a donkey.” – CRITERION COLLECTION

“A profound masterpiece from one of the most revered filmmakers in the history of cinema, director Robert Bresson’s Au hasard Balthazar follows the donkey Balthazar as he is passed from owner to owner, some kind and some cruel but all with motivations beyond his understanding.” – THE CRITERION COLLECTION

 “Godard’s famous claim that Au hasard Balthazar is “the world in an hour and a half” suggests how dense, how immense Bresson’s brief, elliptical tale about the life and death of a donkey is.” – Film Critic James Qandt

Au hasard Balthazar was rated 16th best film of all time in Sight and Sound 2012 Poll.