I would give this film 3 1/2 stars. It is a noble effort by Bresson but marred by his insistence on getting “natural” performances by amateurs. From what I have gleaned, it took numerous takes to get “natural” actions and reactions from the actors. Even the donkey does not always come across as purely natural but does seem charming under what must have been stressful conditions for it. What was intended to be authentic ends up wooden and disjointed. This breaks the natural flow of the narrative progression and ultimately makes watching the film somewhat of a task rather than a pleasure. Pasolini was much more successful in his use of amateurs.

Having said this, the film’s strength is its story. The elevation of the everyday, of mundane lives that seem to be trapped by futility, and the heartbreaking tale of a humble creature subjected to the whims of those downtrodden by life. Indeed, the examination of what we would see as the joys and sorrows of such a creature is what makes this film worthy of viewing. To know and view all life as having value is central to this film’s importance. Whether Balthazar is a Christ figure or not, he shares in the mystery of suffering and redemption and is indeed a cinematic Saint.