Where to start withAu Hasard Balthazar
2 versions · originally a film, 1966
Themes: Animal Suffering, Human Cruelty, Innocence, Fate, Redemption.
Start with Au Hasard Balthazar (Robert Bresson, 1966) — the film. Au Hasard Balthazar exists in 2 versions across media, beginning as a film in 1966; each is ranked below by what it does best.
These films utilize the perspective of a suffering donkey to reflect the inherent cruelty and grace of human existence.
✦ Most fans start here
Au Hasard Balthazar (1966)

The original movie
✦ Start hereAu Hasard Balthazar
Robert Bresson · Film · 1966
Au Hasard Balthazar (1966) offers a stark, transcendental exploration of suffering, ideal for viewers seeking Bresson’s signature minimalist style and a deeply philosophical meditation on the innocence of a beast.

Inspired by
EO
Jerzy Skolimowski · Film · 2022
EO (2022) provides a contemporary, visually visceral reimagining of the donkey’s journey, best suited for those who appreciate modern, expressionistic cinematography and a more fragmented, sensory-driven approach to the narrative.
Common questions
Is EO a remake of Au Hasard Balthazar?
Yes, the 2022 film EO is a contemporary adaptation inspired by the 1966 film Au Hasard Balthazar. Both movies follow the life and experiences of a donkey as it travels through different environments and encounters various human owners.
Should I watch Au Hasard Balthazar before EO?
Watching Au Hasard Balthazar before EO is not required, as both films function as standalone narratives. However, viewing the 1966 original provides context for the thematic inspiration behind the 2022 adaptation.
Are Au Hasard Balthazar and EO connected by the same story?
While they are not direct sequels, Au Hasard Balthazar and EO share a central premise involving a donkey as the protagonist. Each film explores the animal's perspective while observing the complexities of human behavior and society.
Is Au Hasard Balthazar the source material for the film EO?
The 1966 film Au Hasard Balthazar serves as the primary inspiration for the 2022 film EO. The latter reimagines the journey of the central donkey character within a modern context while maintaining the core conceptual framework of the original work.