This import from Spain shares with viewers some of the effects Civil War has on a small town. More specifically the film "Butterfly" is about a young boy played by Manuel Lozano. Now, stop right there. I wanna voice my opinion on foreign film and child actors. Is there some sort of written law that dictates they have to better than their American counterparts? Besides "The Patriot," child actors (13 and under) tend to be well below average.
Anyway, Manuel at first doesn't wanna go to school, but later learns that the teacher doesn't only NOT hit his pupils but can actually become a great mentor and friend in a time of revolution.
The title comes from a lesson the teacher, played by Ferdenando Fernan Gomez, teaches young Manuel in the feilds. He speaks of the butterfly and its long rolled up tongue which it needs to taste the nectar from the depths of the flowers. Other lessons follow, one in particular about not being so shy around females. If you know what I mean...
Eventually the Civil War heats up and those who are for a Free Spain are gathered in the night and paraded through the town. Even though Manuel's father proclaimed viva the Republic he is quietened by his strong wife. Others, however, are not and are led away from the town, presumably to be executed.
"Butterfly" has pure characters, vivid locations, and a torrid sex scene. *blinks* How did that get in there? It also lacks forward direction at times, loses focus on the bond between Manuel and Gomez, and suddenly just stops. Still, it is far and above what I expected and therefore gets a splinded grade.
Butterfly Grade: B+
Anyway, Manuel at first doesn't wanna go to school, but later learns that the teacher doesn't only NOT hit his pupils but can actually become a great mentor and friend in a time of revolution.
The title comes from a lesson the teacher, played by Ferdenando Fernan Gomez, teaches young Manuel in the feilds. He speaks of the butterfly and its long rolled up tongue which it needs to taste the nectar from the depths of the flowers. Other lessons follow, one in particular about not being so shy around females. If you know what I mean...
Eventually the Civil War heats up and those who are for a Free Spain are gathered in the night and paraded through the town. Even though Manuel's father proclaimed viva the Republic he is quietened by his strong wife. Others, however, are not and are led away from the town, presumably to be executed.
"Butterfly" has pure characters, vivid locations, and a torrid sex scene. *blinks* How did that get in there? It also lacks forward direction at times, loses focus on the bond between Manuel and Gomez, and suddenly just stops. Still, it is far and above what I expected and therefore gets a splinded grade.
Butterfly Grade: B+