The Butterfly (I) (2002)
"Le papillon" (original title)

The plot summary says that the old man seeks a particular butterfly because of the request of his brother. Having just seen the movie, two of us are certain that it was his son, not his brother.

Director:

Philippe Muyl

Writer:

Philippe Muyl

Stars:

Michel Serrault, Claire Bouanich, Nade Dieu

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michel Serrault	...	Julien
Claire Bouanich	...	Elsa
Nade Dieu	...	Isabelle
Jacques Bouanich	...	Sébastien's Father
Jerry Lucas	...	Sébastien
Aurélie Meriel	...	Amie d'Isabelle
Gérald Maillet	...	SDF
Françoise Dubois	...	Femme de la cabine téléphonique
Françoise Michaud	...	Cafe Waitress
Hélène Hily	...	Marguerite, the Concierge
Idwig Stephane	...	Entomologist
Fabien Béhar
Pierre Poirot	...	Police Commissioner
Magali Bonat	...	Vendeuse magasin de sport
Francis Frappat	...	Geometrician

Storyline

This is the story of a young girl named Elsa who was raised by a single mother (Isabelle) in the city. Isabelle and Elsa begin the film moving in next door to an elderly man who collects butterflies (Julien). Isabelle who "spends a lot of time with her friends" does not pay much attention to her daughter who walks home because her mother forgot to pick her up from school. After meeting her new neighbor, Elsa finds out about the butterflies and in short annoys Julien for a while. Julien receives a mystery package from a fellow entomologist. Julien sets out on his annual attempt to find a rare species of butterfly that he had once promised his son he would find (son dead) in the French country side, specifically a region known as Vercors. Elsa stows away in his car. After being discovered she convinces him to let her come to Vercors with him. They bond while hiking and camping until Julien, who is initially annoyed by Elsa, near the end of the film seems to have a ...

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Plot Keywords:

mountainous landscape | nature | telephone | natural habitat | moth | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Details

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

18 December 2002 (France)

Also Known As:

The Butterfly

Filming Locations:

Paris, France

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$1,906 (USA) (19 December 2003)

Gross:

$38,438 (USA) (30 July 2004)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Alicéléo, Canal+, Cofimage 13

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Visa d'exploitation 105.285

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Soundtracks

"L'Hymne A L'Amour"
Lyrics by Édith Piaf
Composed by Marguerite Monnot
© Editions Raoul Breton

User Reviews

Sweet and ephemeral

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.