The film has a sweetness that stops short of sentimentality.
The Butterfly (2003)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:6
Fresh:5
Rotten:1
Average Rating:7.3/10
Synopsis: Writer-director Philippe Muyl delivers this tender French family drama about an unlikely bond that forms between a young girl and her elderly neighbor. Michel Serrault (LE CAGE AUX FOLLES) is... Writer-director Philippe Muyl delivers this tender French family drama about an unlikely bond that forms between a young girl and her elderly neighbor. Michel Serrault (LE CAGE AUX FOLLES) is Julien, an aging butterfly collector who leads a quiet life. But when Elsa (Claire Bouanich) moves into the apartment above him, Julien's life takes on a new trajectory. Neglected by her mother, the inquisitive eight-year-old attaches herself to Julien and convinces him to take her on a trip to the mountains to try to locate Isabelle, a beautiful but elusive butterfly. At first skeptical, Julien relents--thinking that Elsa's mother has left her alone in the apartment--and the pair embark on their journey. As the journey unfolds, Julien shows Elsa the attention that she's been craving, and Elsa gives Julien a new lease on life, helping him to see the world through more innocent eyes. Back at home, Elsa's mother Isabelle (Nade Dieu) is shocked to discover that her daughter has disappeared. A near-tragedy brings the situation to a head, teaching each of the characters a very valuable lesson about life and love. Directed with extreme sensitivity by Muyl, THE BUTTERFLY features standout performances from the always reliable Serrault and newcomer Bouanich. [More]
Starring: Michel Serrault, Claire Bouanich, Nade Dieu
Starring: Michel Serrault, Claire Bouanich, Nade Dieu
Director: Phillippe Muyl
Director: Phillippe Muyl
Screenwriter: Phillippe Muyl
Producer: Patrick Godeau
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Reviews for The Butterfly
Depending on your perspective, this French family drama will either feel sweetly sentimental or shamelessly manipulative.
Michel Serrault's typically expert performance and writer-director Philippe Muyl's ability to avoid the usual cliches in his execution of the tale give The Butterfly an undeniable appeal.
Its combination of psychological insight and emotional restraint helps it transcend sentimentality.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 95% 95% | Star Trek |
| 14% 14% | The Ugly Truth |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 32% 32% | Terminator Salvation |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| 86% 86% | A Christmas Tale |
| 60% 60% | Paper Heart |
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