Au hasard Balthazar

Bresson’s masterpiece is a sublimely beautiful metaphysical fable centred on a donkey passed from owner to cruel owner.

  • Director

    Robert Bresson

  • With

    Anne Wiazemsky, Walter Green, François Lafarge

  • France 1966. 95min

  • Digital 4K (restoration)

  • Certificate

    PG

  • English subtitles

Arguably the most sublimely metaphysical and most moving of Bresson’s films, this chronicles the life of a donkey (named after one of the Magi) passed from owner to owner in a grim French countryside; he’s both witness to and victim of human cruelty and suffering, crime and punishment. This is a masterpiece, wholly free of maudlin sentiment – the final moments are almost unbearably beautiful.

Joint ticket available with Style, Anti-style and Influence: Robert Bresson Re-assessed on Tuesday 7 June by calling the Box Office on 020 7928 3232 or in person. £15, concessions £12 (Members pay £2 less).