6.1
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Purple Butterfly
2003·Movie
Purple Butterfly fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Adrenaline5
- Fast Pace5
Heart
Melancholic and moving
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
- Romance6
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Cringe Humor2
World
History, crime, and politics
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Ambiguity7
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Purple Butterfly is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumHistory, crime, and politics
Its world is built around history, crime, and politics. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
United by Passion. Divided by Fate.
Ding Hui is a member of Purple Butterfly, a powerful resistance group in Japanese occupied Shanghai. An unexpected encounter reunites her with Itami, an ex-lover and officer with a secret police unit tasked with dismantling Purple Butterfly.
Shanghai NoirResistance MovementPolitical IntrigueHistorical DramaForbidden LoveBetrayalMelancholyPsychological Thriller
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Purple Butterfly
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Purple Butterfly worth watching?
59
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 59/100 (IMDb 6.1, Rotten Tomatoes 43%, and Metacritic 68). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Purple Butterfly rated?
Violence
Content advisories: violence.
How long is Purple Butterfly?
2 h 7 min
Purple Butterfly runs 2 h 7 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Purple Butterfly?
Critics56
Audiences61
Yes. Critics average 56 and audiences 61 out of 100, so both groups see Purple Butterfly much the same way.
Was Purple Butterfly a box office hit?
Budget$1 million
Box office$750,000
No. It cost about $1 million to make and earned $750,000 worldwide, 63% of its budget.
What language is Purple Butterfly in?
ChineseVietnameseJapanese
It was made in Chinese, with some Vietnamese, Japanese. Produced in China, Hong Kong SAR China, France.