Cinematic version of PucciniÆs famous opera written and directed by French filmmaker Frederic Mitterrand.
Distributed in 1995 as a fine art film for limited audience.
Film version of the opera employs realistic cinematic techniques; not a staged opera.
Tragic story of 15-year old, sincere Japanese girl Cio Cio San (Madame Butterfly) and her doomed love for a cynical, shallow U.S. Naval officer stationed in Nagasaki in early 20th Century.
Marriage of ôButterflyö and Lt. Pinkerton is a temporary sexual convenience for him, but a lifelong commitment for her.
After Pinkerton leaves for America, Cio Cio San gives birth to a son, and patiently waits for his return.
He returns three years later with a ôrealö wife, an American, and claims his son.
The ever obedient Butterfly turns the boy over to the new Mrs. Pinkerton, and then commits suicide.
Madame Butterfly dies in PinkertonÆs arms, and he feels remorse for the first time, realizing the tragic consequences of his actions.
Madame Butterfly, Cio Cio San, who became a teenaged geisha, singing for money, when her family fell on hard times.
1. Reveals the depth of her love for Pinkerton by renouncing her culture and religion for his.
Lt. Benjamin Franklin Pinkerton, prototype of the roving Yankee who takes his pleasure and whatever else he wants wherever he happens to be, without consideration of the consequences.
Sharpless, the U.S. Consul in Nagasaki who tries to balance his duty to American citizens with his concern for Japanese citizens.
Suzuki, ButterflyÆs loyal servant and confidant, who tries in vain to make Butterfly face reality.
Establishment of American relations with Japan brings upheaval of traditional values and disaster to many Japanese, symbolized by Butterfly.
Lt. Pinkerton a symbol of American imperialist attitudes.
Butterfly a symbol of the lands exploited by Ameri
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