Movie Moments with Hot Air Balloon Rides

Having recently booked my first hot air balloon ride I have started to notice just how many are featured in my favourite movies. In reflection, this is probably where I got the idea from! Subconsciously developing the romantic idea of soaring above the world. In the spirit of my new plight for air balloon flight (you like what I did there?), here are my top five hot air balloon movie moments:

1. The Ugly Truth

Spoiler alert for anyone who has not seen this movie! For everyone else, I thought I would cover this one off early and quickly confess that I, man and ambassador of all that is masculine, did enjoy The Ugly Truth. Okay, so it is effectively a ‘rom com’ but this dude, played by the undeniably commanding Gerard Butler, is my hero. He is convincing as a ladies man who knows it all and calls women on all of their over analytical issues. The moment when they argue in the hot air balloon and he appears to have finally ‘tamed the shrew’ – a very pretty shrew played by the stunning Katherine Heigl – is pretty intense. 

The fact that they are mid-air and forced to remain close in the basket was a genius move from the director. This helped to cause conflict and made them address their true feelings leading to the, climactic and predictable, kiss at the end. The hot air balloon helps make the moment more intense, which works well alongside the fact that they are actually on live television.  This is the most entertaining and dramatic kissing moment that I have ever seen in a rom com, which is why it gets the highest score as my number one choice.

2. Monster in Paris

Even though I usually avoid musical theatre, I absolutely loved this movie! I would also say that it is very much a movie with music rather than a musical as such. Bergeron does not weigh the film down with countless musical numbers like other animated films tend to do. The songs he does include have a distinct Spanish feel and are undeniably catchy. The unusual use of a giant insect with an angelic singing voice as the main protagonist, combined with the culminating Godzilla story that has you gripped to the end of your seat towards the end – is genius. The hot air balloon plays a big role at the end of this movie as the giant flea’s friends attempt to rescue him as he climbs the Eiffel tower. What a balloon ride! Please click here if you want to watch the trailer.

3. The Mummy Returns

There are live mummies, there’s scarabs, there’s deathly dangerous chasing scenes and then… there is a hot air balloon. An interesting choice for this fast paced action packed movie but guess what? I think it worked! The contrast of the drama and action with the calm and romantic notion of the hot air balloon helped emphasise the revived passion between the starring couple, played by Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz. 

4. Casanova 

Heath Ledger is sure to have inspired many ladies to dream of being taken on a hot air balloon ride when he played Casanova in 2005. The best scene in this movie, is without a doubt when he takes his girlfriend Francesca (played by Sienna Miller) in a hot-air balloon high above Venice as colourful fireworks burst around them in a spectacular display. Set in 1753, the film features sumptuous sets and sublime period music to match. My girlfriend forced me to watch this one but I have to say, it was an amazing scene! Stunning imagery and truly inspiring.

5. The Golden Compass

The role of the hot air balloon is prominent in The Golden Compass – but not just any balloon. This is a pretty impressive vessel. The story is set in a parallel universe that runs on something called anbaric power instead of electricity. People travel in hot-air balloons and enormous, slow-moving zeppelins. The contradictory use of a slow moving hot air balloon in contrast to the reality of a fast moving society is thought-provoking and clever. Who knew the hot air balloon was part of an alternative reality? …Or is it?

Have You Booked Your Hot Air Balloon Ride Yet?

When you consider their use in film and television it is not surprising that so many of us are inspired to go on Hot Air Balloon Rides at some point in our lives. Just make sure that you book yours with a company that is accredited and experienced. The company I have booked with have over 25 years’ experience and all the relevant accreditations so I am confident I will have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Long live the hot air balloon! May you continue to star on our screens so that you can slowly rescue people and inspire romantic kissing scenes.

If you would like to share your favourite hot air balloon ride movie moments tweet #hotairballoon @EdwardPhelan1. Please also don't forget to check out the rest of my work on The Spoon Drawer.