Madama Butterfly
Synopsis
Japan, early twentieth century. U.S. Navy Lieutenant B.F. Pinkerton inspects the house he has leased from a marriage broker. The broker, Goro, has procured him three servants and a geisha wife, Cio-Cio-San, known as Madama Butterfly. He is enchanted with the fragile Cio-Cio-San. Cio-Cio-San is heard in the distance joyously singing of her wedding. In a quiet moment, Cio-Cio-San shows her bridegroom her few earthly treasures and tells him of her intention to embrace his Christian faith. The Imperial Commissioner performs the wedding ceremony, and the guests toast the couple. The celebration is interrupted by Cio-Cio-San's uncle, a Buddhist priest, who bursts in, cursing the girl for having renounced her ancestors' religion. Alone with Cio-Cio-San in the moonlit garden, her husband dries her tears, and she joins him in singing of their love.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Mina Blum
Kate Pinkerton
Carlo Bosi
Goro, a matchmaker
Fiorenza Cedolins
Cio-Cio-san (Madama Butterfly)
Francesco Franci
Suzuki, her maid
Marcello Giordani
B. F. Pinkerton, Lieutenant in the United States Navy
Juan Pons
Sharpless, United States consul at Nagasaki
Carlo Striuli
The Bonze, Cio-Cio-san's uncle
Alessandro Battiato
Prince Yamadori
Angelo Nardinocchi
The Imperial Commissioner
Giovanni Scordino
The Official Registrar
Veronica Simeoni
Cio-Cio-san's mother
Maria Letizia Grosselli
The cousin
Release History & Theatrical Window
July 10, 2004
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Franco Zeffirelli, George Blume
- Original Title
- Madama Butterfly
- Country of Origin
- Austria
- Spoken Languages
- Italian
- Runtime
- 2h 22m
- Production Studios
- Arthaus Musik
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Franco Zeffirelli, George Blume
Department Leadership Roster
Franco Zeffirelli
Director
George Blume
Director
Emi Wada
Costume Design
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Madama Butterfly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Madama Butterfly
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Madama Butterfly about?
Japan, early twentieth century. U.S. Navy Lieutenant B.F. Pinkerton inspects the house he has leased from a marriage broker. The broker, Goro, has procured him three servants and a geisha wife, Cio-Cio-San, known as Madama Butterfly. He is enchanted with the fragile Cio-Cio-San. Cio-Cio-San is heard in the distance joyously singing of her wedding. In a quiet moment, Cio-Cio-San shows her bridegroom her few earthly treasures and tells him of her intention to embrace his Christian faith. The Imperial Commissioner performs the wedding ceremony, and the guests toast the couple. The celebration is interrupted by Cio-Cio-San's uncle, a Buddhist priest, who bursts in, cursing the girl for having renounced her ancestors' religion. Alone with Cio-Cio-San in the moonlit garden, her husband dries her tears, and she joins him in singing of their love.
Who directed Madama Butterfly?
Madama Butterfly was directed by Franco Zeffirelli, George Blume.
Who stars in Madama Butterfly?
The principal cast of Madama Butterfly includes Mina Blum, Carlo Bosi, Fiorenza Cedolins, Francesco Franci, Marcello Giordani.
When was Madama Butterfly released and how long is it?
Madama Butterfly was released in 2004 with a total runtime of 2h 22m.