Au Hasard Balthazar (1966)

In the poignant tale of "Au Hasard Balthazar", we follow the journey of Balthazar, a humble donkey whose life unfolds as a poignant illustration of resilience, grace, and purity. Born into carefree joy as a cherished pet of a child named Marie during a blissful summer holiday, Balthazar's innocence is soon lost as he is thrust into a world of hardship and cruelty. Passed from owner to owner, each one more ruthless than the last, he endures the grueling life of a beast of burden, his existence marked by toil and suffering. Parallel to Balthazar's tale runs the story of Marie, his first human companion. As she matures, she finds herself caught in a web of torment at the hands of an indifferent and callous boyfriend, mirroring Balthazar's own plight. Like him, she too is subjected to the sins of man, their lives intertwining in a narrative of shared suffering. Despite the harsh realities they face, both Balthazar and Marie embody a quiet nobility and virtue, their lives serving as a testament to the power of transcending one's burdens. The film is a moving parable of purity and virtue, tracing their paths amidst the world's tribulations. As Balthazar navigates his life of servitude and Marie battles her own demons, the story unfolds with an aching beauty, underscoring the resilience of the spirit in the face of adversity. "Au Hasard Balthazar" is a compelling exploration of life's hardships and the grace with which its heroes bear them, a narrative that will leave viewers both moved and inspired.

Au Hasard Balthazar is a drama movie featuring Anne Wiazemsky and directed by Robert Bresson.

Au Hasard Balthazar is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy Au Hasard Balthazar on Amazon Video and Apple TV.