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

"Le Papillon"
Performed by Michel Serrault and Claire Bouanich
Composed by Nicolas Errèra
Lyrics by Philippe Muyl
© 2002 Editions Les Notes qui s'aiment et Aliceleo

User Reviews

A marvelous gem

This movie features exceptional acting (particularly by the adorable little girl), good writing and does not degenerate to saccharine. Unlike some family films, what occurs in the movie is NOT straight by the numbers, predictable and completely wrapped up in the end--a definite plus for me!

The story is about a cranky old butterfly collector who is pulled into (against his will) the world of a very lonely child. The script says she is 9 years-old, though she appears younger. Usually, I hate child actors/actresses. They often seem to "play the role of a kid" instead of behaving believably. This child, though unusual, seems like a REAL child and her dialog was written by someone who has actually been around kids. What a concept!

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.

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.