Butterfly

Rating:
Summary: The tongue of butterflies is called Proboscis
Review: Shortly after Franco died (1975), Spain saw a flurry of movies, TV series and books about the Civil War. Almost without exception, the story was told from the "other" side, the side of the losers. That is quite understandable, as for 40 years they had never had the opportunity to explain in their own words how things had happened. I thought that after 25 years of democracy, maybe the subject of the Civil War had already been examined backwards and forwards. Therefore, I was quite surprised to encounter this very recent movie on the subject. My take on it is that something as painful as a war between brothers must take many years to digest.

This movie tells the story of a young boy, Moncho, going to school in a small town in northwestern Spain soon before the start of the Civil War (1936). Moncho is a very sensitive kid, and the teacher, Don Gregorio, takes him under his wing immediately. Don Gregorio's role is played by famous actor Fernando Fernán-Gómez, who by the way is also a very talented writer. Both he and Moncho do a superb acting job. The story is sweet and the characters well portrayed, but the movie has some very flawed spots. There are some gratuitous scenes that don't go anywhere. For example, Don Gregorio throwing up outside the bar. I immediately imagined that he was probably very sick, and maybe would die soon. None of that happened. I had to wonder what was then the point of showing him indisposed. Would it be that Moncho, upon seeing his teacher like that, think that he was a drunk and lose respect? There was no resolution, and the incident became inconsequential and stayed there.

Carmiña's bizarre love triangle was rather gratuitous as well, and did not provide any insights into the main story at all, other than to show how brutal some people can be, or the dangers of alcohol.

Another very annoying scene is when Moncho and Andrés leave the village where they performed a gig and the wife of the major runs to see their cart go by. Andrés had obviously developed a crush on her, and he played (amazingly well, after being such a sucky sax player) a solo during the concert and gave her some languid looks. But there was never evidence that she reciprocated those feelings. Why then does she run through the mountains to catch a last glimpse at their cart? This scene seems to come out of nowhere.

The final scene, when the mob gathers to see who has been arrested because of their political sympathies, is great. However, it is poorly explored. Moncho's dad, who supported the Republic, cries when he starts to insult those that he himself used to call `friends'. It is easy to see what hypocrisy has done to him. But what about the boys? Andrés is in shock when he sees one of his band mates in handcuffs. Moncho is surprised to see his best friend's dad arrested. The whole family gasps when they see Don Gregorio. Yet without exception they will insult those people that were so close to them before. What next? It would have been excellent to explore the repercussions of those actions. How would Moncho and Andrés feel after this episode? That was a missed opportunity.

Rating:
Summary: The tongue of butterflies is called Proboscis
Review: Shortly after Franco died (1975), Spain saw a flurry of movies, TV series and books about the Civil War. Almost without exception, the story was told from the "other" side, the side of the losers. That is quite understandable, as for 40 years they had never had the opportunity to explain in their own words how things had happened. I thought that after 25 years of democracy, maybe the subject of the Civil War had already been examined backwards and forwards. Therefore, I was quite surprised to encounter this very recent movie on the subject. My take on it is that something as painful as a war between brothers must take many years to digest.

This movie tells the story of a young boy, Moncho, going to school in a small town in northwestern Spain soon before the start of the Civil War (1936). Moncho is a very sensitive kid, and the teacher, Don Gregorio, takes him under his wing immediately. Don Gregorio's role is played by famous actor Fernando Fernán-Gómez, who by the way is also a very talented writer. Both he and Moncho do a superb acting job. The story is sweet and the characters well portrayed, but the movie has some very flawed spots. There are some gratuitous scenes that don't go anywhere. For example, Don Gregorio throwing up outside the bar. I immediately imagined that he was probably very sick, and maybe would die soon. None of that happened. I had to wonder what was then the point of showing him indisposed. Would it be that Moncho, upon seeing his teacher like that, think that he was a drunk and lose respect? There was no resolution, and the incident became inconsequential and stayed there.

Carmiña's bizarre love triangle was rather gratuitous as well, and did not provide any insights into the main story at all, other than to show how brutal some people can be, or the dangers of alcohol.

Another very annoying scene is when Moncho and Andrés leave the village where they performed a gig and the wife of the major runs to see their cart go by. Andrés had obviously developed a crush on her, and he played (amazingly well, after being such a sucky sax player) a solo during the concert and gave her some languid looks. But there was never evidence that she reciprocated those feelings. Why then does she run through the mountains to catch a last glimpse at their cart? This scene seems to come out of nowhere.

The final scene, when the mob gathers to see who has been arrested because of their political sympathies, is great. However, it is poorly explored. Moncho's dad, who supported the Republic, cries when he starts to insult those that he himself used to call 'friends'. It is easy to see what hypocrisy has done to him. But what about the boys? Andrés is in shock when he sees one of his band mates in handcuffs. Moncho is surprised to see his best friend's dad arrested. The whole family gasps when they see Don Gregorio. Yet without exception they will insult those people that were so close to them before. What next? It would have been excellent to explore the repercussions of those actions. How would Moncho and Andrés feel after this episode? That was a missed opportunity.

Rating:
Summary: A Tale Of Inncocence Lost
Review: The wings of a butterfly has filtered through it's shafts a complex web of color and brilliance, such as the emotions and beauty this film reflects. An amazing story told through the innocent big wide eyes of the young boy who for the first time explores the feelings we have all shared when embracing a mentor, a new friend and life itself. Do witness this film and you may find yourself prone to be more cynical of the human race, or just confused like Moncho the delicate inquisitor by the meaning of it all, and weep the tears of innocence lost during a time of extreme conflict ..... Espana 1936.

Rating:
Summary: A Tale Of Inncocence Lost
Review: The wings of a butterfly has filtered through it's shafts a complex web of color and brilliance, such as the emotions and beauty this film reflects. An amazing story told through the innocent big wide eyes of the young boy who for the first time explores the feelings we have all shared when embracing a mentor, a new friend and life itself. Do witness this film and you may find yourself prone to be more cynical of the human race, or just confused like Moncho the delicate inquisitor by the meaning of it all, and weep the tears of innocence lost during a time of extreme conflict ..... Espana 1936.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful
Review: This film is about a shy, intelligent little boy who is nurtured by a wonderful, aging teacher. To see the old man imparting knowledge to these children is very touching.

It is also about the beginning of the Spanish Civil War, and how war can twist people, causing them to behave in dispicable ways. I don't want to say too much, lest I give away the marvelous end.

But I recommend this movie 100%. It is wonderful for its moral, but also for the lovely performances.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best films I ever saw
Review: This is a memorable film with beautiful images of Galicia, Spain. The story will take you from laughter to worthwhile tears. The kind of films needed for future generations not to forget the tragedies of the past.

Rating:
Summary: Don't Miss This One!
Review: This movie was one of the best I have ever seen. If you like foreign films, buy and watch this one immediately. It was fresh and really made you think about issues that adults get so wrapped up in to the detriment of our children.