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      The Butterfly

      Released Dec 19, 2003 1h 20m Comedy Drama List
      80% Tomatometer 20 Reviews 85% Audience Score 2,500+ Ratings A young French girl, Elsa (Claire Bouanich), is often left on her own due to the work schedule of her single mother, Isabelle (Nade Dieu). After Elsa ends up spending time with Julien (Michel Serrault), a surly old butterfly collector, the two set out on a journey through the countryside. Intent on finding a particularly short-lived butterfly, Julien and Elsa form an unlikely friendship on their rural trek, but trouble arises when her mom becomes concerned as to her whereabouts. Read More Read Less

      Critics Reviews

      View All (20) Critics Reviews
      Walter V. Addiego San Francisco Chronicle The film has a sweetness that stops short of sentimentality. Rated: 3/4 Jun 4, 2004 Full Review Marta Barber Miami Herald The story is as predictable as a hot summer in South Florida, but if you're in need of comfort, Le Papillon is a good choice. Rated: 2.5/4 Mar 26, 2004 Full Review Kevin Thomas Los Angeles Times An exceptionally satisfying film of much grace and beauty. Rated: 4.5/5 Mar 18, 2004 Full Review Keith H. Brown Eye for Film Rated: 3/5 Dec 7, 2007 Full Review Reel.com Rated: 2.5/4 Sep 24, 2004 Full Review Jules Brenner Cinema Signals Rated: 3/4 Sep 22, 2004 Full Review Read all reviews

      Audience Reviews

      View All (112) audience reviews
      Audience Member The story is engaging and creative, and the feeling is goodness. The two principals are wonderful. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review Audience Member This movie is good for all ages. Guys will also like it because although it is a sensitive film, it is not a tear-jerker or a "chick flick"- it's just a nice film written about real people. Hollywood would greatly benefit by learning from this movie's example. Very thankful that run into the movie using boxxy software. By the way, DON'T turn off the film when the final credits start to roll. Watch and listen - it's an adorable way to end a wonderful film. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/10/23 Full Review kyle v Reviewed 6.3.18 With a touch as light as it's eponymous star, it flails around prettily, but lands on nothing significant. Old man Julien and runaway Elsa exchange cutesy banter amidst some truly beautiful countryside (note to self: add the Vercors Massif range to any future French adventure). But despite their best efforts it's an uneven affair, where emotional heft proves more elusive than the rare 'Isabella' they pursue. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/12/23 Full Review Audience Member Rating: 82% As sweet as it is imaginative, The Butterfly is a heartfelt and entertaining drama that gets viewers to relate to both of the main characters. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/03/23 Full Review Audience Member A tender & touching film of a young girl from a distracted mother & her unlikely friendship with elderly gentleman who is a Butterfly enthusiast who is searching for a rare butterfly. He is cunningly convinced that the little has no family & he reluctantly takes her on his Outdoor Trip in search for the Butterfly. Their relationship blossoms like the Butterfly itself & the beautiful lies in the French Scenery & their Tender Relationship. A light nice film that is a pleasure to watch. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

      Cast & Crew

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      The Butterfly

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      Movie Info

      Synopsis A young French girl, Elsa (Claire Bouanich), is often left on her own due to the work schedule of her single mother, Isabelle (Nade Dieu). After Elsa ends up spending time with Julien (Michel Serrault), a surly old butterfly collector, the two set out on a journey through the countryside. Intent on finding a particularly short-lived butterfly, Julien and Elsa form an unlikely friendship on their rural trek, but trouble arises when her mom becomes concerned as to her whereabouts.
      Director
      Philippe Muyl
      Producer
      Françoise Galfré
      Screenwriter
      Philippe Muyl
      Distributor
      First Run Features
      Production Co
      Gimages, Alicéléo, Natexis Banques Populaires Images 3, France 2 Cinema, Rhône-Alpes Cinéma, Canal Plus Image International, Cofimage 13, Gimages 6
      Genre
      Comedy, Drama
      Original Language
      French (Canada)
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Dec 19, 2003, Limited
      Release Date (Streaming)
      May 2, 2024
      Box Office (Gross USA)
      $38.4K
      Runtime
      1h 20m