Butterfly Man

I wanted to see this movie only because it was filmed in Koh Samui, one of my favorite places. Koh Samui is a hidden gem (at least hidden to most Americans) and I would describe this movie in the same way.

Notwithstanding the negative comments of others, I was pleasantly surprised to find it was a compelling film. Low budget, and a bit simplistic, but nonetheless very moving. With her broken English, Napakpapha Nakpprassite conveys a beauty and vulnerability that was extremely effective. If you want to see a movie that captures the life and the beauty but also the desperation that you can find on the islands of Thailand, skip "The Beach" and watch this instead.

Adam arrives in Bangkok with his girlfriend and they abruptly split- up over a minor disagreement, but the relationship's been on the slide for a while and when Adam finds his significant other in the guesthouse room next door with a dreadlocked sandal seller we know the honeymoon is truly over. Thailand has a habit of testing Western boy-girl-relationships and in this case the couple split in less than 24 hours.

The lovers split their separate ways and Adam heads to Ko Samui, determined to see out his holiday. Here he meets a character many of us know (and if we don't know one we might just be him) - the middle- aged boozy expat not above dalliance with indigenous females – Joey - played brilliantly in this case by Francis Magee. Joey convinces Adam to visit a massage joint where we're introduced to Em the beautiful masseuse who Adam falls for and thus begins the vortex, the downward spiral, the lies, the mistruths, the deceptions that often follow an East / West relationship. Em retains her typical Thai conservative streak, hoping perhaps Adam will hold out for marriage and the house in the village. Inpatient and frustrated Adam hooks up with Noi one of the many bargirls on the beach and has to confess to Em that he has suddenly metamorphosed into a straight up, genuine Butterfly Man – a lover who goes from lady to lady, taking a piece of pollen from each as he so does. But Lady Fate doesn't smile on those men who spread it about on the islands, things continue to spiral down for Adam his triangular love affair leading to him being drugged, and robbed and finally having to beg on the beach in a charming sequence of som nom na – serves' you right.

Our old friend Joey returns and offers Adam a chance to make some quick cash on the neighboring Ko Phangnan. After some indecision he makes it over to meet a character named No Name, a statuesque blond, played by Abigail Good who pedals a shady sideline.

Adam uncovers a human trafficking ring and rescues Em by stowing her away on a boat where she lies in his arms, having married him in a brief ceremony conducted by the charmingly Thai boat captain. Events unfold in a tragically entertaining fashion and this is all weaved together seamlessly as the final twist and turns lead Adam to Em's Isaan village where he is making a new life for himself in the real Thailand.

Overall a rewarding picture. The score by Stephen Bentley-Klein is worth mentioning along with the title track by Skye Edwards (formally of the band Morcheeba). Producer Tom Waller did a sterling job putting it all together and the cinematography was at times sublime. The acting from the foreign cast was impressive throughout and a few roles really shone. A film entitled Butterfly Man was bound to have the odd Thai / foreigner cliché, and was at times charmingly naïve, but that doesn't take anything away from the movie. This is in many ways a better, more honest movie than Danny Boyle's adaptation of The Beach and for those who first came to the Kingdom before the omnipresent mobile telephone, cyber stickers, and emjois Butterfly Man is a nostalgic treat full of personal memories and hidden rewards and it is well worth hunting down a copy or a download.

Beautiful location shots and richly lit interiors fail to provide sufficient distraction from a naive and clumsily told story.

Lacking in emotional credibility Adam and Em mechanically fulfil what the plot demands of them, reaching an epiphany that elicited groans of derision not tears of empathy from a fidgeting audience.

One would hope that an independent film-maker working to a limited budget would attempt to punch above his weight with an emphasis on strong character and believable dialogue. Instead we are delivered a series of preachy monologue, awkward plot exposition and clichéd melodrama that squanders any goodwill the audience may have had.

Kaprice Kea is undoubtedly a talented cinematographer, and I for one will be looking forward to his next film, but let's hope that this time he leaves the writing duties to others.

Ignore the 1-star reviewers... these cretins weren't even watching closely enough to summarize the plot points correctly. True, those in search of a quick-fix nudity high will be disappointed, but this film captures a deep and transcendent sensuality that puts conventional love scenes to shame. The casting is magnificent, the dialog is smart and authentic, and the plot is rarely predictable and complemented by a steady stream of touching vignettes full of warm, genuine humanity. The major characters are authentically drawn, but each reveals a shift that will remind you that in the exotic world of "asymmetrical" tourism things are not always as they seem. If you have been to Thailand you will appreciate the palpable ambiance created by the dazzling cinematography and the lush score and sound design. Treat this movie like farang Joe's description of the Thai massage... (paraphrasing) "lie back and relax and for an hour and a half let the filmmaker pay your soul one of the biggest compliments it has ever received."

Butterfly Man is a touching and complex movie about the despair and hope of a British backpacker who finds a deeper sense of purpose in the colorful and beautiful world he experiences in Thailand. The visuals of this movie will make you feel that you are in an island paradise yourself, as they're filled with prelapserian visions of purity and sweetness.

Plus, there's a truly wonderful theme underneath the movie: the dangers of Colonialism and expansion, and the exploitation that such endeavors come with. I really liked this movie.

The two main characters, Adam and Em, acted expertly by Stuart Laing and Napakpapha "Mamee" Nakprasitte, share a passionate bond, one that will make you believe in the redemptive and soulful power of compassion.