‘A Balloon's Landing’ (2024) Netflix Movie Review - Disappointing

"A Balloon’s Landing" had the potential to deliver a heartwarming, adventurous tale about a writer's journey of self-discovery and love but it ultimately falls flat. The film introduces Hong Kong writer Tian Yu, who sets out on a solo trip to Taipei in search of the enigmatic “Bay of Vanishing Whales.” Along the way, he befriends A Xiang, a local gangster whose unexpected warmth and charm bring temporary light into Tian Yu’s troubled life. However, despite the promise of an emotional and transformative adventure, the film’s execution leaves much to be desired.

From the outset, "A Balloon’s Landing" struggles to maintain focus. Tian Yu’s quest for solace is overshadowed by a meandering plot that introduces the mysterious Bay but never fully develops its significance. The Bay, which is meant to be a symbol of escape and renewal, feels like an afterthought, mentioned sporadically but never given the depth it deserves. This makes Tian Yu's journey feel superficial and hollow, as the audience is left wondering why this search for the Bay is so pivotal to his character arc. Instead of building suspense or intrigue around this search, the film wastes time on repetitive scenes that add little to the narrative.

The relationship between Tian Yu and A Xiang, which could have been the emotional anchor of the story, also fails to resonate. A Xiang, portrayed as a warm-hearted gangster, comes across more as a flat stereotype than a fully fleshed-out character. His charm is surface-level, and the friendship between him and Tian Yu lacks the depth or chemistry needed to make their bond believable. Their interactions feel forced, with little natural progression, leaving the audience disconnected from their supposed growing camaraderie. The movie never convincingly shows why Tian Yu is drawn to A Xiang beyond a fleeting sense of loneliness.

One of the most frustrating aspects of "A Balloon’s Landing" is the disappointing Kenting Fireworks Festival. This moment is built up throughout the film as a crucial turning point in Tian Yu’s journey, yet when it finally arrives, the festival feels dull and anticlimactic. The absence of A Xiang, which is meant to create emotional tension, only adds to the sense of emptiness. The film tries to hinge its emotional weight on Tian Yu discovering the truth behind A Xiang’s absence, but by the time this reveal comes, the audience is more likely to be indifferent than invested. The film treats this as a significant twist, yet it feels predictable and lacks the emotional punch it aims for.

Even the cinematography, which could have compensated for the weak narrative, is lackluster. Taipei’s vibrant streets and scenic landscapes are underutilized, with flat, uninspired shots that fail to capture the city’s beauty or the supposed magic of the Bay. The film’s pacing is slow and uneven, dragging out scenes that could have been cut while rushing through moments that deserved more attention. You will find the movie to be confusing from the very start.

In the end, "A Balloon’s Landing" feels like a missed opportunity. It promises an introspective journey and an unlikely friendship but delivers a disjointed, emotionally hollow story. While Tian Yu's search for meaning and connection could have made for a compelling film, the lack of narrative focus, underdeveloped characters, and anticlimactic twists make this journey one that’s easy to forget.

Final Score- [4/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times