I have been a fan of Ge You's acting for a long time. His roles in such films as the 'The Emperor's Shadow' and 'Lifetimes' are unforgettable. So I decided to try this film as well. I was not disappointed.
Discussion of plot points follows***
Ge You plays a photographer who discovers that a fashion designer (a photo of whom is the Butterfly Smile of the title) was involved in a hit-and-run accident with a cyclist. What will he do about it? Denounce her? What will she do? Give herself in? This scenario evolves slowly, and with almost no dialogue. It is a credit to the actor's craft that he can convey the inner questioning and conflicts over the course of the film without recourse to dialogue. What could have been slow and rather pointless becomes an intense study of an artist and his muse.
If you are looking for action and witting repartee, this is not the film for you. On the other hand, if you think Ge You is a superb actor and would like yet another reason to appreciate his talent, this movie is well worth a look. (Incidentally, he reprises the role of photographer in one of his later films, 'Suffocation'.)
Discussion of plot points follows***
Ge You plays a photographer who discovers that a fashion designer (a photo of whom is the Butterfly Smile of the title) was involved in a hit-and-run accident with a cyclist. What will he do about it? Denounce her? What will she do? Give herself in? This scenario evolves slowly, and with almost no dialogue. It is a credit to the actor's craft that he can convey the inner questioning and conflicts over the course of the film without recourse to dialogue. What could have been slow and rather pointless becomes an intense study of an artist and his muse.
If you are looking for action and witting repartee, this is not the film for you. On the other hand, if you think Ge You is a superb actor and would like yet another reason to appreciate his talent, this movie is well worth a look. (Incidentally, he reprises the role of photographer in one of his later films, 'Suffocation'.)