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.

MTDKtmmG First thanks to the Encore stations and the DVR, I choose to record to see later, as I do with many, The Blue Butterfly became an instant keeper. the close up shots of the animals and insects itself are amazing. As you read in other peoples reviews, the story is rather simple. A dying boys "last wish" is to find this Blue Butterfly with the aid of William Hurt, who first refuses, but later changes his mind. the movie may not be everyone favorite if action "Clint Eastwood" style films are what you like, but it your like me who likes a story of hope, then you got the film to watch. It's worth the time and makes you feel good when its over.

MIbluegal1 This was a heartwarming movie that even my "Rambo'lovin husband liked.I will be buying this movie.If you do not care for the story line you will love the scenery.If you have children 6 and older they would really learn from this movie.It really shows the compassion that man can have for one another and actually restores your faith in the human race.The wildlife will really make the young ones stay entertained.Rent or buy this as much for yourself as for your children.You can be assured that this movie will not have any content that will be offensive-in fact they give you two choices-edited content for minor language or non edited.I chose non edited and it was in no way offensive.

albert-91 I thought the film even with the dramatization was compelling, but unfortunately the scriptor and director forgot or ignored the end of the film by simply ending the story with a cute Voice Over, and tracking shot of the young boy running into the fade out. There were basic errors in story telling, and some times you have to give the audience what they want or perceive to want. example: It would have been good to see the doctor meet up with his daughter. It would have been good to see or read a bio of the young boy's life in 2004 as the story was written about his life in 1987. The audience is always right. . .hence the film's pitiful 1.7mill box office.