Il miracolo della farfalla

I really love this film! There is a sweetness about it that really makes you smile. I love films where a child and adult are forced to have conversation and how both parties learn from one other. It's not easy to pull off because it depends so much on the balance of the two, the child must be believable, and Claire Bouanich as Elsa is. She kinda reminds me of a young Linsay Lohan (in the Parent Trap). Michel Serrault is, of course wonderful. He played a similar role in Une hirondelle a fait le printemps (The Girl From Paris), a crotchety old man, who wants to be left alone but somehow is won over by a young person, full of energy and life, and full of questions too. I had a very personal connection with this film that I can't explain only that there were scenes in it that made me shiver only because It coincided so much with certain things in my life. If you have children, watch this film. If you don't, you may want them afterwards.

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 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.

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.

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.