The Butterfly (2002)

Great visuals, story delivers no surprises

When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

an ambitious but ultimately ineffective debut endeavor.

It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

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.

This movie is just what movies are supposed to be about, about people, their interaction, the way they evolve as a result... life. Add to that great dialogue, good acting and a great photography and you got a movie that should be on the top 20 list of anyone looking for real movies.The fact that the underlying storyline has already been brought several times to the big screen, with the same dexterity or not, does not detract from the fact that this film combines all its elements in a mix that positions it above the crowd. Serrault's movies might not all have been of this quality, but in recent years he has certainly managed to bring us several movies where the humane aspect of his characters prevail.Do not start looking for logical explanations for certain elements of the movie, do not psychoanalyse it and try to find faults... this movie is just like life itself, sometimes logical, sometimes illogical, often random. Just watch, enjoy and get carried away by the witty dialogue. Despite all the adversities one might encounter, it's those little things - how insignificant they may be - that make it worthwhile and helps everyone become the unique individuals we are.This is a sincere movie suitable for the whole family that manages to stay out of the tear-jerker or kiddy movie categories. Special mention also for the soundtrack! If you liked this you might also want to check out The Malabar Princess.

Le Papillon ("The Butterfly") is a lightweight, charming, and mostly successful film. This story of a crotchety old butterfly collector (Michel Serrault) traveling--at first unwittingly--with a precocious young girl (Claire Bouanich) offers no new Insights On The Human Condition, but is pleasant, funny and touching in parts.Both leads are very effective; in particular Claire Bouanich as youngster Elsa is very cute without ever becoming too hammy.***************** Now, HERE IS THE MILD NON-SPECIFIC SPOILER: This movie works quite nicely all the way up to the end, at which point writer/director Philippe Muyl decides to throw in the SECOND of two rather miraculous coincidences. The first coincidence/miracle is wonderful, and could have provided more than enough "magic" for the conclusion. But, it seems Muyl doesn't trust the emotional weight of his own story and tacks on, in what's almost a throwaway line, a second amazing coincidence. For me at least, this cheapens the film somewhat. *****************END OF SPOILERThat caveat notwithstanding, I still enjoyed it very much and recommend it to viewers who are looking for a bit of light entertainment with beautiful scenery and excellent performances. 7.5/10

I highly recommend this movie to anyone and everyone. It is so adorable! It's about a little girl, Elsa, who goes on an excursion with an elderly man named Julien, who is searching for a rare butterfly known as Isabella. On their journey, the oddly paired couple learn more about each other and grow to become close friends. The dialogue is the best part of this movie; Elsa and Julien taunt each other with witty comebacks. Although only eight years old, Claire Bouanich is a very talented actress. The cameras love her, and so will you. If you're looking for a movie with a happy, feel-good ending, then "Le Papillon" is the one for you.