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Pretty Butterflies

Pretty Butterflies (2012)

Sep 06, 2012 1h 40m Drama

3 August, Cagliari: a poor neighborhood. At three in the morning eleven-year-old Cate is woken by the screams of her eccentric neighbor. Cate wants to run away from that apartment, from her numerous and problematic siblings and her tyrannical father. Only Gigi, a neighbor, is worthy of her love. She does not want to end up like her sister Mandarina, who got pregnant at thirteen. Or like Samantha, the neighborhood sex siren. And today, on 3 August, Gigi’s life is in danger: Tonio, Cate’s brother, wants to kill him. Cate warns Luna, her best friend. The two of them spend the longest day of their lives between the city, the sea and a thousand adventures. But her beloved Gigi is in danger. And when everything seems lost, during the night a beautiful woman appears out of nowhere: the mysterious Aleni, a witch who apparently can see into people’s futures...

Directed by Salvatore Mereu

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Salvatore Mereu
Producer
  • Salvatore Mereu
  • Elisabetta Soddu

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Pretty Butterflies examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Salvatore Mereu brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2012, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Pretty Butterflies took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
  • The musical score contains over 45 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 2012, when this film is released:
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: September 6, 2012
  • Runtime: 1h 40m

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