The Butterfly
by Philippe Muyl
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DVD details
Actor: Claire Bouanich, Jacques Bouanich, Jerry Lucas (II), Michel Serrault, Nade DieuDirector: Philippe Muyl
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Subtitled); French (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 80 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-10-19
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: FIRST RUN FEATURES
DVD Reviews of The Butterfly
DVD Review: Absolutely wonderful!
Summary: 5 Stars
A wonderfully crafted film! We love it! It's visually beautiful with wonderful acting that is believable and real.
I pause to make the comment about how anybody could give this film three stars. This is not contrived Disney-like dribble in the least. I actually gravitate toward Foreign cinema because it is just exactly the opposite of American dribble. It's just that people today are so negative, they can't handle anything loving and good with out tearing it down because they are empty inside and have an attitude of "if I am not happy, no one else can be happy either." Hmm, sounds like selfishness and an over inflated sense of self. Hey, no wonder you're miserable.
never-the-less . . .
You grow to love the main characters and empathize with them. You know this film has something good ahead. It's fun along the way. Little bits of sunshine and happiness.
The film's core theme is true: don't get so wrapped up in yourself and your troubles that you forget to tell the important people in your life, "I love you." The little French girl (brilliant little actress)in the film is in many ways a metaphor for a beautiful butterfly herself. Or is the butterfly their friendship (the grandfather figure and little girl?)
You know this film will end happily (it has to), but you just don't know exactly how. It's like, your going to get a gift; but what?
To the end, your like, "What's going to happen?"
And the film keeps rewarding you again and again emotionally right up to "FIN".
The world definitely needs more films like this gem! The same emotional flavor as "My Father's Glory", and as worthy as "Kikijuro" in it's poignant little story and honest heart. As important to see as "Salaam Bombay" but for a much more brighter reason.
DVD Review: delightful & heartwarming short film
Summary: 5 Stars
This little adventure just draws you in, and the more you learn about the characters, the more you want to know... the sweet neglected little girl, the wonderful old man who unsuccessfully tries so hard to stay distanced..delightful story, fantastic scenery, with a wonderfully European perspective,(no hollywood high drama) presented in such simplicity that just about everyone should be able to feel like a part of this tale.. it all adds up to a "must watch" and most likely, a "must watch AGAIN" story. DVD Review: Perfect Perfect
Summary: 5 Stars
This gem of a movie is a pure delight. It is also a pleasure to watch the translations. ("Little miss know it all" is "Mme Je Sais Tout!") The acting is outstanding. The photography is beautiful. Your family will adore this special treat that is so refreshing and a welcome break from Hollywood.DVD Review: Wonderful Film
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of the warmest, most wonderful family films I have seen in a very long time. I hesitate to use the term family film, for fear of evoking Disney, or uninteresting dribble. The Butterfly is more along the lines of Cinema Paradiso (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition), but rated PG. Like Cinema Paradiso, an old man and a young child develop a deep wonderful relationship. The film is wonderful in watching how Julien begins to understand and appreciate the innocent 12 year old Elsa.
The film was originally released in France in 2002. The DVD was just released in the US. The French know Michel Serrault very well, he's won several Cesars (French Academy Awards). He is a wonderful character actor who starts off as a curmudgeon who gradually warms to Elsa (Claire Bouanich).
At it's core this is a road film, two people travel and get to know eachother, things happen along the way that make the two characters closer, there is a conflict and then resolution. But that oversimplifies the film.
The Butterfly is beautifully filmed. It opens in a generic big city France (although it is Paris, it can pass for about any big city apartments), somewhat gray. Julien's apartment is a full color beautiful hideaway from the gray city. The film then progresses to the French mountains (it could either be the foothills of the Alps or the Pyrennes), where it is full color, open, quiet, and beautiful. The film ends in a green park. The lighting is almost always perfect and the film in focus.
Sound recording is not what we've come to expect. The dialog is crystal clear, but there is no enveloping sound, surround channels are rarely used. This might be more of a throw back to 2001 (when this was filmed) and low budget. The French is wonderfully clear, and yes this could be used for French classes to help learn the language.
Pacing is spot on. There is very little extraneous. The film has been edited to exactly the right length.
The best part of this film is the dialog between Julien and Elsa. His perspective is old world, outdoors to her innocence and only city view. They frequently don't speak the same language. But Elsa learns, as does Julien.
The ending is heartwarming. Somewhat unpredictible, and should never be spoiled.
There is no English soundtrack, the film is only available in French with English subtitles (the subtitles cannot be turned off). The translation is fairly accurate. There are a few word plays that don't translate, but they don't impact the enjoyment of this film. Bonus features are very French, written biographies of the director and Michel Serrault, a slide show of stills, and previews of other films.
If you loved Cinema Paradiso, I think this one will be a winner everyone in your family can watch.
DVD Review: cassie
Summary: 5 Stars
This is worthwhile entertainment. It is subtitled, but the pace moves slow enough that you don't have to struggle to keep up. Elsa is darling and for her age, the acting is surprisingly good. Even when she is misbehaving you can't help but being taken in by her adorable face. Michel Serrault is superb as the disillusioned old man. While it sometimes edges toward sentimental, it is masterfully played to avoid being sloppy. The country side is breathtaking. If you like films that take the time to let a relationship build, you will enjoy this.
Description of The Butterfly
Legendary actor Michel Serrault stars as Julien, an ornery butterfly collector. When eight-year-old Elsa and her often-absent mother move into the apartment next to his, the persistent and curious Elsa adopts a reluctant Julien as her surrogate grandpa. But when Julien leaves town for a week-long hiking expedition in the Alps to find the "Isabella," an exotic butterfly as elusive as it is beautiful, he instead discovers an uninvited companion - Elsa!General DVDs
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