A powerful tale about growing up in a country growing apart.
Features: DVD, Aspect Ratio 2.35:1, Dolby Digital (5.1), French, Dubbed, English, Subtitled
In the tradition of Cinema Paradiso, Butterfly explores the extraordinary relationship between a shy young boy, Moncho, and his incredibly compassionate teacher, Don Gregorio, who teaches Moncho to find his way in a world that is increasingly frightening. When the Spanish Civil War breaks out on July 18, 1936, everything for the boy and his hero will unexpectedly change. Butterfly stars the Spanish legend Fernando Fernan Gomez who has a career that spans five decades as an actor, novelist, poet and director. In 1998, he won the Goya (Spanish Oscar) for Best Lead Actor for his film, The Grandfather. The film also stars Manuel Lozano, Uxia Blanco, Gonzalo Martin Uriare, Alexis de los Santos and Guillermo Toledo. Directed by Jose Luis Cuerda and written by Rafael Azcona, Butterfly is based upon Manuel Rivas' novel ÀQuŽ Me QuiŽres, Amor?.
"Two thumbs up!" Roger Ebert & The Movies
"Beautiful and powerful!" Los Angeles Times
Editor's Note
Moncho (Manuel Lozano) is a curious little boy who lives with his loving family in rural 1930s Spain. Sitting in his bed reading at night while his older brother practices his saxophone, Moncho is afraid of starting school and afraid especially that the teacher will beat him. To the contrary, teacher Don Gregorio (Fernando Fernan Gomez) fascinates Moncho with lessons about nature and freedom. Taking long walks by the stream in the beautiful countryside--catching butterflies, listening for the sounds of crickets, peeking at the local girls swimming nearby--Moncho and his brother learn to appreciate the beauty of nature, and through it achieve a better understanding of their own coming of age.Underlying this gentle plot is an aggravated political situation, suggested in debates between Moncho's parents or in suspicious activity among the parents of Moncho's classmates. When the Spanish Civil War commences in 1936, this peaceful period of discovery comes to an abrupt end as Moncho is faced with real life lessons about political persecution, discrimination, religious hysteria, and the terror of war. Capturing the color and mystery of the world as seen through a child's eyes, Jose Luis Cuerda's BUTTERFLY is a sweet, moving film.
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