Butterflies Don't Count
Butterflies Don't Count

Movie spotlight

Butterflies Don't Count

1978
Movie
80 min
English

A young priest is put in an agonising dilemma when he hears a confession of a murderer.

Insights

IMDb5.9/10
Director: Michael PowellGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

Set during World War II, the film centers on a lonely, eccentric woman living in an isolated country house. Her life takes an unexpected turn when a wounded British pilot crash-lands near her property. As they form an unlikely bond, she becomes increasingly protective of him, leading to poignant and dramatic consequences.

Critical Reception

Butterflies Don't Count received a mixed to negative reception upon its release. While some critics acknowledged its atmospheric qualities and the performances of its seasoned cast, many found the narrative meandering and the central relationship unconvincing. The film struggled to find a wide audience and is often considered one of Michael Powell's less successful later works.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film struggles with a disjointed and slow-paced narrative.

  • Performances are generally solid, though unable to elevate the weak script.

  • Visually atmospheric but thematically underdeveloped.

Google audience: Audience reception for Butterflies Don't Count is largely unavailable due to its limited release and historical context. What little data exists suggests viewers found the film to be a somber and somewhat confusing wartime drama with a difficult-to-engage-with plot.

Fun Fact

This was one of the final films directed by the acclaimed British filmmaker Michael Powell, known for his collaborations with Emeric Pressburger on films like 'The Red Shoes' and 'Black Narcissus'.

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