M. Butterfly (1993)

M. Butterfly: Directed by David Cronenberg. With Jeremy Irons, John Lone, Barbara Sukowa, Ian Richardson. In 1960s China, French diplomat Rene Gallimard falls in love with an opera singer, Song Liling – but Song is not at all who Gallimard thinks.

“Of all the David Cronenberg movies I have seen u0026#39;M. Butterflyu0026#39; is my least favourite, but thatu0026#39;s certainly not to say that it is entirely worthless. Despite some flaws and a few dead spots it is still quite a fascinating film. One of the oddest things about this movie is that despite its general feeling of unbelievability it is based on a true story. Cronenberg adds to this by deliberately casting the rather butch John Lone, rather than a more obviously androgynous actor (ala u0026#39;The Crying Gameu0026#39;, a movie this is often compared to). This makes the story more confronting and less comfortable, and also one assumes, closer to the actual facts of the case. Jeremy Irons, who was robbed of an Oscar in Cronenbergu0026#39;s previous u0026#39;Dead Ringersu0026#39;, is outstanding as usual, Lone (still mainly known for u0026#39;The Last Emperoru0026#39;) isnu0026#39;t as good, but still fine, and the supporting cast includes a nice turn from Brit veteran Ian Richardson (u0026#39;Dark Cityu0026#39;). Most Cronenberg fans will probably find this a bit difficult to get into, as the material isnu0026#39;t exactly typical of the director, but itu0026#39;s much better than its bad press makes out. I expected to hate it, and I didnu0026#39;t.”