Madame Butterfly 2009
Taiwanese auteur Tsai Ming-liang offers a daring, minimalist reimagining of a timeless myth in Madame Butterfly (2009), a 36-minute drama that strips the story to its emotional core.
Director: Tsai Ming-liang
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Madame Butterfly (2009) about?
This short film by Tsai Ming-liang follows a woman abandoned by her lover in the frenetic environment of a Kuala Lumpur bus station. Rather than a traditional plot, it captures her emotional journey through silent moments and urban solitude.
Who directed Madame Butterfly?
Madame Butterfly was directed by Tsai Ming-liang, the celebrated Taiwanese filmmaker known for his contemplative, visually striking cinema.
Who stars in Madame Butterfly?
The film stars Pearlly Chua in the lead role, portraying the abandoned woman at the heart of the story.
Is Madame Butterfly (2009) worth watching?
If you appreciate arthouse drama or Tsai Ming-liang's signature style, Madame Butterfly offers a condensed, emotionally resonant experience. While short, its visual storytelling and themes of abandonment make it a compelling watch for fans of poetic cinema.
How long is Madame Butterfly?
Madame Butterfly (2009) runs for 36 minutes.
About Madame Butterfly (2009) — A Minimalist Reimagining of a Timeless Myth
Taiwanese auteur Tsai Ming-liang offers a daring, minimalist reimagining of a timeless myth in Madame Butterfly (2009), a 36-minute drama that strips the story to its emotional core. Set against the humming, anonymous backdrop of a bustling Kuala Lumpur bus station, the film follows a woman whose lover abandons her, leaving her adrift in the crowd. Rather than a traditional narrative, Tsai crafts a meditative exploration of abandonment, urban alienation, and the quiet resilience of the human spirit. The atmosphere is contemplative, charged with a sense of fleeting connections in a transient world.
Pearlly Chua delivers a poignant performance that lingers long after the short runtime, embodying both vulnerability and quiet strength amid the chaos of the station. The genre skews toward arthouse drama, eschewing conventional storytelling for a visceral, sensory experience that lingers like an echo.