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Butterflies Are Free

1972 · Movie · 109 min · ★ 6.7 · 74% critics

ComedyRomance

A young man determined to live on his own moves into a San Francisco apartment, pushing back against an overprotective parent. When he strikes up a connection with his free-spirited neighbor, their budding romance is tested by meddling, doubts, and the challenge of building an independent life on their own terms.

Based on Butterflies Are Free

IMDb

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Details
Years
1972
Release date
1972-07-06
Language
English
Runtime
109 min
Critic score
74/100
TMDB rating
6.7/10 (89 votes)
About

You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a light, dialogue-driven romantic comedy with heart, a cozy single-location feel, and a mellow early-’70s vibe, similar to Summer of '42; Not for you if you need lots of action or surprises.

Pros: witty, fast dialogue; warm feel-good tone; strong performances | Cons: predictable turns; stage-like, single setting; a bit dated vibe

Themes

  • san francisco, california
  • based on play or musical
  • coming of age
  • neighbor
  • free spirit
  • blindness
  • blind man
  • overprotective mother

Awards & recognition

  • Academy Award — Best Supporting Actress · 1973
  • Academy Award — Best Cinematography · 1973 · nominated
  • Academy Award — Best Sound · 1973 · nominated
  • Academy Award — Best Supporting Actress · 1973 · nominated

Cast & crew

Directed by Milton Katselas