The Butterfly
By Brian Costello,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Excellent French film with child discussing mature topics.
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What's the Story?
Julien is a cranky aging Parisian butterfly hunter and collector who lives downstairs from Elsa, a precocious 9 year old who doesn't get to spend as much time with her single mom as she would like. She befriends Julien, discovers his butterflies, and manages to sneak into his car as he leaves for the mountains to hunt for more butterflies. Together, Julien and Elsa go through fields and forests, each learning from the other as they discuss life, death, butterflies, and humanity's place in the world.
Is It Any Good?
THE BUTTERFLY features excellent acting, an engaging story, and beautiful shots of the French countryside. The film is both a story about the friendship that develops between an ornery lepidopterist and a precocious 9 year old, as well as a discussion about life, death, and the difficulties between a single mom and her young daughter.
And yet, while discussing these heavier topics, there's a charm and grace to the film that is undeniable. One wishes all young performers were as natural as Claire Bouanich. While mentions of serial killer and abortion would make this problematic for more sensitive and/or younger viewers, The Butterfly is a superb physical, mental, and emotional adventure putting new spins on familiar themes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how this film takes a familiar theme, that of the "cranky old guy and precocious young kid who strike up a friendship," and makes it something truly unique. What are the elements the film uses to keep this from sinking into a cliche?
As a French film, how does this differ from Hollywood movies dealing with similar themes?
What are butterflies symbols of?
Movie Details
- In theaters: December 19, 2003
- On DVD or streaming: October 19, 2004
- Cast: Claire Bouanich, Michel Serrault, Nade Dieu
- Director: Phillipe Muyl
- Studio: First Run Features
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Friendship
- Run time: 80 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
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