Amy Adler
Young tween Pete (Marc Donato) has a brain tumor. Despite treatment, his prognosis is not good. Naturally, his beautiful mother, Teresa (Pascale Bussieres) is deeply sad but, she cannot help but admire her brave son. The lad is a winged-insect collector and his fondest wish is to go to the Costa Rican rainforest and catch a "blue butterfly", like his idol, Dr. Alan (William Hurt). So, even though the odds are stacked against them, Teresa takes Marc to one of the prof's lectures and begs him to take her son to Central America. At first, Alan demurs, in part because he states the season is over and the blue butterflies will not be numerous. Also, Al doesn't really connect well with people, especially children. Nevertheless, after realizing how much it means to Pete, Alan says yes. The journey into the rainforest is amazingly beautiful but rather treacherous, as some of the creatures are fierce. Pete and his mother makes friends with the native tribes that Alan knows well, for the prof has been there many times. But, their trek proves, initially, futile. Sensing that the noise of a large party might be a problem, Pete asks Alan if "just the two of them" can go looking, even though it might be dangerous. Al consents. Will the boy get his heart's desire before his illness defeats him? This is an astoundingly lovely film, very admirable. The fact that is it hardly known is a terrible shame. First, the cast is great, with Hurt giving one of his best performances ever, even considering his amazing body of work. Bussieres and Donato, too, are very touching while the supporting cast likewise does well. The beauty of the setting can not be overstated and the breathtaking close-ups of many of the rainforest's creatures has to be seen to be appreciated. Costumes, cinematography, script (based on a true story), and the skilled direction all work to make one very admirable movie. Therefore, be you a family in search of a flick for all members or someone who seeks out the finest of the finest, this movie is for everyone, the world over.
ccthemovieman-1
If you know of any kids who are suffering with cancer, and especially those who diagnosed as terminally ill, this would be an inspiring film for them.Meanwhile, who doesn't like looking at butterflies? Well, this story is a lot more than that, but you might as well enjoy the fantastic insects and nature scenery of Costa Rica while going along for this ride. This is another based-on-a-true story film, about boy dying of brain cancer getting his wish to go track down the mysterious "Blue Morpho" butterfly which supposedly brings magical powers.The film stars William Hurt and a couple of unknown actors: Marc Donato, who plays the boy, "Pete Carlton," and Pascale Bussieres as his mom, "Teresa." All three do a fine job.I really enjoyed the wildlife photography. Some of the insects, reptiles, birds and animals in that part of the world are just amazing. The story tries hard not to be sentimental, sometimes too hard and also infers near the end that the young boy was magically healed by some spirits of the jungle. Filmmakers love promoting mystical New Age-type stuff. Nonetheless, unlike what I expected, there was a happy ending to this story. Most importantly it was happy conclusion for the real person. Obviously, that is what is really important.This is the real-life story of David Marenger, who is a grateful, now-healthy young man who spends his time wisely helping other kids with illnesses. You can see him in an interview that accompanies the DVD.
zebulontbearclaw
terrible. probably one of the worst movies i've ever seen. we figured that they got william hurt to act in this turkey by either paying him buckets full of money, or he wanted to go to the jungle and figured this would be a free trip, or he's part of the cult. because it must have been a cult that financed this movie. i don't know the cult of the healing power of the blue butterfly, or the jungle, or the big hole in the ground that they fall into. we watched this movie imagining if the guys from south park had written it and cartman was the little kid faking his lines so he could get a free trip to the amazon. there's one scene where they're swimming by the waterfall that's almost like nambla. jeez, have i written enough lines yet?
jaimiqo
Yes, this was a project that I spent much time on, but the gang that we had in Costa Rica was excellent I really applaud them I love the people here. We put our hearts in this project. The rains had a lot to do worth our decision to build the whole village up three inches off the ground and apply a drainage system. In total I believe it was about 120 square meters. The Canadians were wonderful people and I praise Serge Bureau for his eyes and guidance. Thank you for the opportunity to work on such a wonderful film.We hope that many more people come to Costa Rica and film in the future.I have one of the best Art Departments there that I work with. Jaime Fernandez
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