Released without fanfare outside of its home country, The Superfantastic Story of Balão is an intriguing documentary about the iconic Brazilian children’s group Turma do Balão Mágico. Through three episodes, four of its members share the story of the band, starting with their backgrounds all the way to the aftermath of their break up. In addition to the performers, other family members, producers, and certain personalities also lend their thoughts on the band’s success. The contrast between each interviewee’s accounts, with the performers’ differing from the producers’, and with the members’ varied accounts, is an interesting one, as it reveals how their different priorities shifted their experiences. While it would have been lovely to hear more of the music they performed, especially for viewers new to the band, it’s clear that the documentary was mostly made with the fans in mind.
In Brazil of the 1980s, the children’s music group Balão Mágico brought together a charming girl singer, a shy boy with an angelic voice, the heir of a famous thief, and the son of a famous Brazilian musician. Some 40 years after their heyday, former members Simony, Tob, Mike, and Jairzinho reunite to discuss the untold side of the group’s playful and colorful years in the spotlight.
In 1980s Brazil, Turma do Balão Mágico (or the Magic Balloon Gang) captivated Brazil’s children with their colorful costumes, playful music, and fun television program. Forty years after their heyday, former members Simony, Tob, Mike and Jairzinho share their memories of being part of this children’s group, including the hard times that haven’t been shown on TV.
The appeal of a documentary, especially a docu series about a band, sometimes relies on whether or not you’re familiar with the personalities being portrayed. The Superfantastic Story of Balão is aware of this, and its first sequences are dedicated entirely to establishing the impact of Turma do Balão Mágico in the Brazilian entertainment industry, before diving into the members’ family backgrounds. However, it’s the series’ fascinating warning titles that kept me watching the first episode. Why is Disney+ quick to say that the subject’s opinions don’t reflect the platform’s views? Especially when Disney is known for their child stars? After these titles are followed with a happy performance from the band, then immediately intercut to Mike calling himself the son of a stripper and a train robber. It’s an interesting introduction that promises behind-the-scenes drama, though it takes a while for the series to get there.
The series is not quite superfantastic, but it’s still intriguing.
