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IMDbPro

M. Butterfly

  • 1993
  • R
  • 1h 41m
IMDb RATING
6.7/10
11K
YOUR RATING
Jeremy Irons and John Lone in M. Butterfly (1993)
In 1960s China, French diplomat Rene Gallimard falls in love with an opera singer, Song Liling - but Song is not at all who Gallimard thinks.
Play trailer1:51
1 Video
65 Photos
Period DramaDramaRomance

In 1960s China, French diplomat Rene Gallimard falls in love with an opera singer, Song Liling - but Song is not at all who Gallimard thinks.In 1960s China, French diplomat Rene Gallimard falls in love with an opera singer, Song Liling - but Song is not at all who Gallimard thinks.In 1960s China, French diplomat Rene Gallimard falls in love with an opera singer, Song Liling - but Song is not at all who Gallimard thinks.

  • Director
    • David Cronenberg
  • Writer
    • David Henry Hwang
  • Stars
    • Jeremy Irons
    • John Lone
    • Barbara Sukowa
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.7/10
    11K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • David Cronenberg
    • Writer
      • David Henry Hwang
    • Stars
      • Jeremy Irons
      • John Lone
      • Barbara Sukowa
    • 61User reviews
    • 33Critic reviews
    • 43Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 win & 1 nomination total

    Videos1

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 1:51
    Official Trailer

    Photos65

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    Top cast31

    Edit
    Jeremy Irons
    Jeremy Irons
    • René Gallimard
    John Lone
    John Lone
    • Song Liling
    Barbara Sukowa
    Barbara Sukowa
    • Jeanne Gallimard
    Ian Richardson
    Ian Richardson
    • Ambassador Toulon
    Annabel Leventon
    Annabel Leventon
    • Frau Baden
    Shizuko Hoshi
    Shizuko Hoshi
    • Comrade Chin
    Richard McMillan
    Richard McMillan
    • Embassy Colleague
    Vernon Dobtcheff
    Vernon Dobtcheff
    • Agent Etancelin
    David Hemblen
    David Hemblen
    • Intelligence Officer #1
    Damir Andrei
    • Intelligence Officer #2
    Antony Parr
    • Intelligence Officer #3
    Margaret Ma
    • Song's Maid
    Tristram Jellinek
    • Defense Attorney
    Philip McGough
    • Prosecution Attorney
    David Neal
    David Neal
    • Judge
    Sean Hewitt
    Sean Hewitt
    • Ambassador's Aide
    Peter Messaline
    • Diplomat at Party
    Michael Mehlmann
    Michael Mehlmann
    • Drunk in Paris Bar
    • Director
      • David Cronenberg
    • Writer
      • David Henry Hwang
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      David Cronenberg loved the play so much that when he heard a movie was being made about it, he volunteered immediately to direct it.
    • Goofs
      The word accordion is misspelled "accordian" in the closing credits.
    • Quotes

      Song Liling: The days I spent with you were the only days I ever truly existed.

    • Connections
      Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Malice/Cool Runnings/Short Cuts/M. Butterfly/For Love or Money (1993)
    • Soundtracks
      M. Butterfly
      Written by Giacomo Puccini

      Arranged by Howard Shore

    User reviews61

    Featured review
    9/10

    Strange and Fascinating Film Inspired by True Events

    In 1964, in Beijing, the French Ambassaty accountant René Gallimard (Jeremy Irons) goes to a social event without his wife Jeanne Gallimard (Barbara Sukowa) and meets the opera singer Song Liling (John Lone). René becomes attracted to Song and soon he meets her at the local opera house. He falls in love with her and Song becomes his mistress. Meanwhile Ambassador Toulon (Ian Richardson) promotes René to Vice- Consul and he becomes adviser for the French Intelligence. But Song has deep secrets that the naive René does not have any idea and believes is part of the Chinese culture.

    "M Butterfly" is a strange and fascinating film inspired by true events that makes it believable. Directed by David Cronemberg, "M Butterfly" is probably one of his best films with an intriguing love story about clash of cultures, having China as background in a troubled revolutionary moment great acting and magnificent cinematography and set decoration. Even when watched more than once, "M Butterfly" is still an attractive gem. My vote is nine.

    Title (Brazil): "M Butterfly"
    • claudio_carvalho
    • Dec 2, 2017
    • Permalink

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    FAQ18

    • How long is M. Butterfly?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 1, 1993 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • United States
      • Canada
    • Languages
      • English
      • Chinese
      • French
      • Italian
    • Also known as
      • 蝴蝶君
    • Filming locations
      • Balassagyarmat, Hungary(Prison)
    • Production company
      • Geffen Pictures
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $17,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $1,498,795
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $57,280
      • Oct 3, 1993
    • Gross worldwide
      • $1,498,795
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 41 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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