Le Papillon (2002)
Directed by Philippe Muyl

Film Review

This rather clumsy and predictable dollop of Disney-style sentimentality would be quite unbearable were it not for the engaging performances from its two lead actors.  In the declining years of a long and distinguished film career, Michel Serrault has settled into playing grouchy old men with a tender inside, something which makes him perfect for this film.  Facing up to the talented Monsieur Serrault is the camera-hogging Claire Bouanich, a winning child actor who doubtless has a bright acting future ahead of her.  Despite the heavily laden saccharine dialogue and implausible situations that make up a messy and unconvincing plot, Serrault and Bouanich bring a touch of magic to our screens and show that the gap between the generations is not as unbridgeable as we may think.

Film Synopsis

Julien is a lonely old widower who devotes himself entirely to his one remaining passion in life: butterfly collecting.  There is one particular butterfly that has so far eluded him and which he is determined to add to his already ample collection.  So, one summer, he sets out for an excursion in the picturesque mountains of the Vercours, determined to find and capture this elusive creature.  He is about to begin his quest in earnest when he notices that a young girl has hidden herself in his car.  This is Elsa, an eight-year-old who tells Julien that she is all alone now that her mother has gone away for a few days.  Moved by the girl's story, the old man agrees to allow her to accompany him on his next great quest, in the course of which a gentle bond of intimacy will develop between these two solitary individuals...