Butterfly (Spanish)
Movie Review
"Butterfly (Spanish)"
Review by Eric D. Snider
Grade: B
Rating: R
Released: Friday, June 16, 2000
Directed by:
Cast:
The 1930s were a turbulent decade for Spain. The monarchy fell in 1931, and the ensuing years saw a Republican government in power (viewed by some as communists), with fascist nationalists opposing them, each vying for public favor.
In the midst of this -- 1936, to be exact -- is when "Butterfly" takes place, showing the effects of the political turmoil on a picturesque little village.
At the center is young Moncho (Manuel Lozano), who is befriended by a kindly schoolteacher named Don Gregorio (Fernando Fernan Gomez). He teaches Moncho lots of philosophical things, like that there's no such thing as "hell": "Hate and cruelty are hell," he says, as the two look for beautiful butterflies and other creatures of the meadow.
He's also a good teacher, educating his students (and me) in the fact that potatoes and corn did not exist in Spain until Columbus brought them back from the Americas. Huh.
Things heat up politically, and everyone has to choose their sides. History tells us that it's the Republicans who lose -- which means Moncho's dad (Gonzalo Uriarte) and Don Gregorio have to either stick to their ideologies, or go with the nationalist flow and save themselves.
For the most part, "Butterfly" is a charming, pleasant coming-of-age story, well-acted all the way around. There are poignant moments with Moncho's older brother, Andres (Alexis de los Santos), and his yearning for a mute married woman.
Moncho and Don Gregorio, too, are a wistful pair, though the film does over-do the "mentor/student" thing a bit, offering little new to the whole "Dead Poet's Society" genre. Much of Don Gregorio's philosophizing is portentous and hollow; his "hate and cruelty are hell" statement winds up being the film's theme. It's a well-developed theme, and the excellent, bittersweet finale helps, but you can't shake the feeling that the film winds up being not nearly as deep as it pretended it was going to be.
Grade: B
Rated R, one graphic sex scene with nudity, some profanity, sexual vulgarity, and brief violence
Copyright © Eric D. Snider.
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This item has 6 comments
September 21, 2007 at 12:11 pm
i would really like to see this movie and it sounds good
February 13, 2009 at 8:32 pm
This movie is fantastic. Even for those who would have to read the subtitles it is incredible, I wouldn't think that would detract from the overall film. Maybe it's true that it's not quite as deep as it could have been, but it is still a great depiction of antebellum Spain and a fantastic film.
July 29, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Run; don't walk to see this! When Snider writes "that the film winds up being not nearly as deep as it pretended to be" he only reveals his own gross shallowness. I would rank this as one of the best I have ever seen; one of the favorites in my personal collection!
November 17, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Thanks, Eric, for your thoughtful comments. The film has value, but simply watching the charming Manuel Lozano was enough for me.
February 14, 2010 at 3:47 pm
I've watched this film at least a half-dozen times and regard it as a great story. It gives some indication of the difficulties people face in great political turmoil---The South in post-bellum Civil War; Russia in the early 20s, Germany in the late 20s; France during World War II---there is very little going on that is noble. People simply try to survive and there is no lower limit to what some people will do.
This is a very tragic story made watchable because it is told through the eyes of a child. Hence, we see a level of innocence where there is no innocence. We are left with the hope that the child will grow up into a better world. He won't, of course, but we can at least hope so.
March 4, 2011 at 1:37 am
This film is a heartbreak. Anyone who thinks it's themes are shallow really missed the point, or maybe doesn't want to face the sad memory of his own childhood being shattered, like the innocence in this film. Not being really up on my Spanish history, the ending was a sucker punch to me. I have, however been crushed by the realization of my own personal hero's frailties, and had to face the demoralizing fact of my own cowardace in the face of true challenge. Bravo Miramax, you never fail to show us that dreaded mirror.