Swallowtail Butterfly 1996
"This is the story of Yentowns in Yentown."
Dive into the neon-lit underbelly of *Swallowtail Butterfly (1996)*, Shunji Iwai's visually striking and emotionally raw tale set in Yentown—a sprawling, gritty enclave where outcasts and dreamers collide in an alternate-future Japan.
Director: Shunji Iwai
Cast
Ayumi Ito
Ageha
Yosuke Eguchi
Ryou Ryanki
Chara
Glico
Hiroshi Mikami
Feihong
Andy Hui Chi-On
Maofu
Atsuro Watabe
Ran
Kaori Momoi
Suzukino
Tomoko Yamaguchi
Shenmei
Nene Otsuka
Reiko
Yoriko Doguchi
Hoshino
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Swallowtail Butterfly (1996) about?
*Swallowtail Butterfly* follows a group of misfits navigating the neon-drenched chaos of Yentown, an alternate-future Japan where societal outcasts carve out fragile existences. Their story intertwines with crime and music, painting a portrait of resilience against a backdrop of urban decay and fleeting hope.
Who directed Swallowtail Butterfly?
Shunji Iwai directed *Swallowtail Butterfly (1996)*, a filmmaker known for his stylish, emotionally charged storytelling.
Who stars in Swallowtail Butterfly?
The film stars Ayumi Ito, Yosuke Eguchi, Chara, Hiroshi Mikami, and Andy Hui Chi-On, delivering performances that crackle with raw intensity.
Is Swallowtail Butterfly (1996) worth watching?
With its unique blend of crime, drama, and sci-fi, *Swallowtail Butterfly* offers a visually and emotionally arresting experience for fans of alternative cinema. While IMDb ratings aren't listed, its bold storytelling and atmospheric depth make it a standout for those seeking something beyond the mainstream—though patience is key, as its unconventional pace isn't for everyone.
How long is Swallowtail Butterfly?
*Swallowtail Butterfly* runs for 148 minutes, or just under two and a half hours, delivering a cinematic journey that feels both epic and intimate in scope.
🎥 Trailer
About Swallowtail Butterfly (1996) — A neon-noir crime drama of outcasts in a future Japan
Dive into the neon-lit underbelly of *Swallowtail Butterfly (1996)*, Shunji Iwai's visually striking and emotionally raw tale set in Yentown—a sprawling, gritty enclave where outcasts and dreamers collide in an alternate-future Japan. This isn't just a crime drama; it's a haunting exploration of survival, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion, woven together with a hypnotic soundtrack that lingers long after the credits roll. Ayumi Ito, Yosuke Eguchi, and Chara lead a cast of misfits, each tethered to the neon glow of a city that thrives on chaos while demanding impossible sacrifices.
Under Iwai's visionary direction, *Swallowtail Butterfly (1996)* blends elements of drama, sci-fi, and crime into a fever dream of urban alienation, where every character is searching for something—or someone—to anchor them to a world that seems determined to let them slip away. The film's atmospheric blend of synth-heavy music, striking cinematography, and raw performances creates a mood that's equal parts melancholic and exhilarating, a cinematic experience that challenges viewers to question what it means to belong when the ground beneath you is constantly shifting.
