SYNOPSIS

In the shadow of a world at war, “The Soldier & The Butterfly” unfolds as a poignant tale of forbidden love and the resilience of the human spirit. Directed by AFI winner Stefano Da Frè, this visual masterpiece transports us to the tumultuous year of 1941. Amidst the backdrop of Japanese imperialism, a young and idealistic Japanese soldier, Haruto, finds himself stationed in the lush countryside of South Korea. Oblivious to the harsh realities of war, he is captivated by the serene beauty of the land and the resilience of its people. Enter Kyung-Ja, a local Korean woman whose life is upended when she is coerced into serving as a comfort woman for the occupying forces. Her spirit, likened to the delicate wings of a butterfly, refuses to be caged by the cruel circumstances that fate has dealt her. As Haruto’s path crosses with Kyung-Ja’s, their worlds intertwine in a forbidden romance that defies the rigid boundaries set by war and empire. Haruto, moved by Kyung-Ja’s quiet strength and grace, begins to question the very principles he was sent to uphold. Their love blossoms in secret, a silent rebellion against the oppressive forces around them. But as the war intensifies, so does the scrutiny of their superiors. Haruto and Kyung-Ja must navigate the perilous waters of their love, knowing that each stolen moment could be their last. “The Soldier & The Butterfly” is a cinematic journey that captures the essence of love’s enduring power in the face of adversity. It is a story that resonates with the timeless message that even in the darkest of times, there is light, hope, and the possibility of transcendence through love.

GÉNÉRIQUE

• Director

  Stefano Da Frè

• Production

  Laura Pellegrini

• Referent

  Da Frè Stefano

• Sales

  Stefano Da Frè

• Script

  Stefano Da Frè

• Camera

  AJ DeSimone

• Film score composer

  Luke Folger

• Cast / With

  Janet Park