Jeanskynebu
the audience applauded
AniInterview
Sorry, this movie sucks
Josephina
Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.
dwess7
This movie begins immediately with scenes, however unclear to young viewers, of an eight year-old girl being neglected by her mother (who's so young it's first not clear if she's her older sister) e.g. she's mistakenly locked in a van; she's alone in the apartment overnight. The next scenes with her make it clear to most viewers over the age of 5 that something's wrong here: her mother never picks her up after school. Then she sits by a pay phone on a bus stop all day waiting for a promised outing from her mother, who never shows.The scenes between Elsa and Julien contain more than one occurrence of "merde" which is clearly translated in the subtitles.There is also a fairly frank discussion of the fact that Elsa was born only because it was too late for her teenage mother to have an abortion.This might all go over the heads of some children; others will want to ask questions, so parents should be prepared that it's not necessarily perfect viewing for the entire family.
ecjones1951
I can't remember the last time I watched a movie to the end of the credits and immediately went back to the titles and watched it all over again. I was in need of some cheering up. Parents can watch "The Butterfly" with their children and everyone in the room will enjoy it.It is a pleasure to see a child actor who is as natural and believable as Claire Bouanich. I'm guessing she didn't know she was working with a legend -- but maybe she did. Anyway, she more than holds her own with Michel Serrault.Some of the "life lessons" taught in "The Butterfly" are a little pat. Some of the coincidences are a bit contrived. But that's OK. The beautiful scenery, witty banter between the two leads and the lessons they learn from each other make up for any deficiencies. Sometimes what we need or want most in our lives really is right under our noses. This movie is a gentle reminder of that basic truth. Very sweet and endearing.
CigaretJim
Le Papillon ("The Butterfly") is a lightweight, charming, and mostly successful film. This story of a crotchety old butterfly collector (Michel Serrault) traveling--at first unwittingly--with a precocious young girl (Claire Bouanich) offers no new Insights On The Human Condition, but is pleasant, funny and touching in parts.Both leads are very effective; in particular Claire Bouanich as youngster Elsa is very cute without ever becoming too hammy.***************** Now, HERE IS THE MILD NON-SPECIFIC SPOILER: This movie works quite nicely all the way up to the end, at which point writer/director Philippe Muyl decides to throw in the SECOND of two rather miraculous coincidences. The first coincidence/miracle is wonderful, and could have provided more than enough "magic" for the conclusion. But, it seems Muyl doesn't trust the emotional weight of his own story and tacks on, in what's almost a throwaway line, a second amazing coincidence. For me at least, this cheapens the film somewhat. *****************END OF SPOILERThat caveat notwithstanding, I still enjoyed it very much and recommend it to viewers who are looking for a bit of light entertainment with beautiful scenery and excellent performances. 7.5/10
sammas21
I highly recommend this movie to anyone and everyone. It is so adorable! It's about a little girl, Elsa, who goes on an excursion with an elderly man named Julien, who is searching for a rare butterfly known as Isabella. On their journey, the oddly paired couple learn more about each other and grow to become close friends. The dialogue is the best part of this movie; Elsa and Julien taunt each other with witty comebacks. Although only eight years old, Claire Bouanich is a very talented actress. The cameras love her, and so will you. If you're looking for a movie with a happy, feel-good ending, then "Le Papillon" is the one for you.
