Watch The Butterfly Murders

The Butterfly Murders is a 1979 Hong Kong film that falls under the "mystery / martial arts" genre. It was directed by famous filmmaker Tsui Hark and starred Siu-Ming Lau, Michelle Yim, and Shu-Tong Wong. The movie takes place in ancient China, during the reign of the Tang Dynasty. The story follows the protagonist, Wei Yen, who is accused of murdering several people by slicing open their stomachs. However, Wei Yen has no memory of committing the crimes and is convinced he is innocent. It is revealed that the true culprit is an evil sorcerer who is able to control the minds of others and order them to carry out his bidding.

Together with a group of martial artists, Wei Yen sets out to uncover the truth behind the murders and stop the sorcerer. Along the way, they encounter a variety of obstacles, both physical and supernatural. The group must use all of their martial arts skills and intelligence to uncover the sorcerer's identity and defeat him before he can carry out more killings and seize control of the empire.

The Butterfly Murders features a mix of genres, including mystery, supernatural, martial arts, and fantasy. However, it is primarily a mystery, with clues subtly presented throughout the story for the audience to piece together. The supernatural elements add an additional layer of intrigue to the plot, making for a unique and engaging viewing experience.

The martial arts scenes in the movie are well-choreographed and entertaining. They serve to showcase the impressive physical abilities of the characters and add to the overall excitement of the film. The use of wire work and special effects also add to the visual spectacle of the fight scenes, making them stand out.

The main characters in The Butterfly Murders are all well-developed and likable. Wei Yen, the protagonist, is a sympathetic figure who is wrongly accused but determined to clear his name. His bravery and loyalty to his friends make him a character worth rooting for. The other members of the group, including Yeung Ching-Ching and Koo Chung, are also strong characters with their own unique personalities and motivations.

The movie's setting in ancient China adds an element of historical interest, showcasing the culture and customs of the Tang Dynasty. Costume design and set pieces are impressive, and the film makes great use of both interior and exterior locations to create a sense of the time and place.

One of the most notable aspects of The Butterfly Murders is its use of unconventional storytelling techniques. The film is structured with a non-linear narrative, jumping back and forth in time throughout the story. This adds to the mystery and intrigue of the film, as viewers must piece together the events in the proper order to make sense of the story.

Overall, The Butterfly Murders is a unique and entertaining film that will appeal to fans of the mystery and martial arts genres. Its blend of genres and unconventional storytelling techniques make it a standout film in the Hong Kong cinema canon.

The Butterfly Murders is a 1979 mystery with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.