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In the Time of the Butterflies

In the Time of the Butterflies

List Price: $9.94
Your Price: $9.94
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Excellent presentation of what went on in the D.R.
Review: I thought that this movie really did a good job of portraying life back then in the Dominican Republic. You know so often we're told of white history and black history but what about hispanics? Where were they? Well, this movie portrays it all!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: The Time of Salma
Review: In the Time of the Butterfiles is unto now the best movie of Salma, Hayek shines in the screen with a great performence. The movie is an excellent way to let people know the sadlly story of the Mirabal'sisters

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: not bad, great introduction to the trials of the Trujillo re
Review: Not a bad movie at all. It is slow moving and none of the characters are complex at all. Marc Anthony is in the beginning and Olmos does a great job inspiring fear. Salma I supposed was needed to make it a movie- which is sad. She is just as passionate as she is in Frida. Not much of a difference between her acting in both films.

This film is from the Alvaro book, and I have not read it yet, but for those that have not read the book, this film is a great introduction to the horror in the Dominican Republic during that time period. There is some suspense in the film, because you think Salma as the main character dies in the jail since flashbacks are made to it the whole time, but there is a twist. A tearjerker and a powerful small film. It's really not that bad and for a great price!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: Some people say that this movie was nothing but "hollywood fluff". I beg to differ, and I use the word "beg" in all it's true meaning. I never knew of the Mirabal sisters, but after watching this film I felt moved. This film made me want to learn more of them. Their sacrifices and all that they endured could never fully be represented on film. But I feel that this movie at least gets the ball rolling for all of us out there who didn't know of the Mirabal sisters. After watching this film, I wanted to know more of them. This film made me want to educate myself. Only 10 mins after first watching this film, I felt compelled to research more and find out more. If a film can do that for someone who knew nothing, then it is a success.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Powerful Performance....Inspiring Story
Review: This review refers to the DVD edition(MGM) of "In The Time Of The Butterflies"...

I viewed two films with Salma Hayek recently. One the critically acclaimed "Frida", and the other, this lesser known, but powerful portrayal of Minerva Mirabel in "In The Time of the Butterflies". This latter one, is the one that grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I was captivated and intrigued by the story of the Mirabel sisters, their bravery and loyalty, as they became the symbol of hope for freedom from the tyrannical ruler of the Dominican Republic, from the 1930's through the 1960's, General Rafael Trujillo(Edward James Olmos).

Right from the start, we know that Minerva is a young girl with determination. She is determined to become a lawyer, in her own country, where women are not even allowed to attend law school. It is a country where, what ever Trujillo says goes, and God help anybody that opposes his will. Early on, Minerva, like most of the people, her family included, accept this fact, but as she sees firsthand the horrors and hardships of Trujillo's rule, she becomes one of a group of underground rebels devoted to overthrowing this tyrannt. Her sisters join with her, and soon they become a most integral part of the cause. Enduring the wrath of Trujillo, they become heroic figures, and are soon known throughout the country as 'The Butterflies'.

The film is based on a book by Julia Alvarez, and inspired by true events. In only a little more than an hour and a half, it gives a good sense of the hardships endured, and the struggle for freedom the brave rebels led. It made me want to know more about this significant piece of history, in a country so close to the U.S., one that has been a tourist stop on Caribbean cruises. Hayek seemed to really dig deep for her performance, and the result was touching and powerful. She won an ALMA award for Outstanding Actress in a made for TV movie. Olmos also turns in an outstanding portrayal as the dictator who murders on a whim. The wonderful cast also includes, Mia Maestro,Lumi Cavazos and Marc Anthony.

The DVD presents a very nice picture, and the sound in Dolby 5.1 is excellent. There are no special features, but has subtitles in English, French and Spanish.

The film is inspiring as well as captivating and highly recommended....Laurie




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