M. Butterfly is Cronenberg’s least-known and most underrated work, far superior to his great cult hit, Scanners.
M Butterfly (1993)
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Reviews Counted:17
Fresh:8
Rotten:9
Average Rating:5.8/10
Runtime: 1 hr 41 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: Beijing, 1964. French Embassy accountant René Gallimard becomes infatuated with Beijing opera singer Song Liling after watching her perform arias from Puccini's "Madama Butterfly." At their first... Beijing, 1964. French Embassy accountant René Gallimard becomes infatuated with Beijing opera singer Song Liling after watching her perform arias from Puccini's "Madama Butterfly." At their first encounter he engages her in what becomes a titillating conversation, in which Liling intriguingly challenges Gallimard's traditional western notions of gender relations. Gallimard's curiosity is now fully aroused and he attends the Chinese Opera just to see Liling again, this time, he initiates an affair which will last 18 years. As soon as Gallimard is promoted to vice consul, becoming privy to top-secret intelligence, Liling takes the opportunity to spy for the Communist regime. But what Gallimard doesn't realize is that there's a secret Liling is keeping from him. [More]
Starring: Jeremy Irons, John Lone, Barbara Sukowa, Ian Richardson
Starring: Jeremy Irons, John Lone, Barbara Sukowa, Ian Richardson
Director: David Cronenberg
Director: David Cronenberg
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Reviews for M Butterfly
When John Lone parades around in mascara and speaks in an asexual monotone, the film audience discovers itself staring at John Lone's whiskers underneath his makeup
Cronenberg no longer needs slimy parasites or exploding heads; the human heart's ability to fool itself is frightening and bizarre enough.
Cronenberg and Hwang seem to have conspired to dull the material at every turn.
One of Cronenberg's most problematic and most disappointing films, largely due to the source material.
There's a lot to chew on in this incredible love story turned into a grisly horror story.
A rare mis-step for director Cronenberg, neutering a challenging play with a bizarrely conservative filming approach.
Downright peculiar film from Cronenberg. Far from his best, but better than its reputation.
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