Le papillon

I spent many years of my youth butterfly collecting so it was easy for me to identify with the character portrayed by Michel Serrault in this film. I never used to like him as an actor as I always thought that "il en faisait trop" but in recent films I have found his performances more subdued and therefore more acceptable. Of course, the idea of an old man being forcibly coupled together with a small child is quite an amusing one and it is fun and feel-good to watch the development of the relation between the two..........hostility at the outset of the film and then great friends at the end. Add to this the beautiful countryside of the Vercors region and you have a pleasant film to watch. With a bit of luck this is the sort of French film that may well have success internationally. It is in the same vein as "Une Hirondelle a Fait le Printemps" starring again Michel Serrault and Mathilde Seigner as a young would-be agriculture student coupled together with Michel Serrault in an isolated farm.

Amazing film, the little girl does a perfect performance. The metamorphosis of the butterfly reflects the changing of the relationships between people within the story. Non-stop jokes, but it maintains its seriousness with lessons about life for adults through the use of an eight year old girl and her uncountably numerous questions. The film is an A film, with a nearly flawless script written by the director. This movie should be up on everyone's must see list and i can easily give it five stars without thinking twice.

Le Papillon is an endearing movie that tugs at your heart as it entertains as well. It is good to see a movie that is not the normal mindless Hollywood dribble. If you walk away not feeling touched in some way by this movie, then you need to go to the wizard and get a heart.

Maybe the symbolism is simple (i.e., the caterpillar becomes a butterfly scenario), but it still resonates and is an important lesson from which we all can and should benefit. Maybe we should all be like the characters in this film who start out flawed, yet find a greater sense of self, worth, and duty.

Do yourself a favor: go buy this movie. I promise you will not be disappointed.

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.

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.