Madama Butterfly (2004): cast, story & where to watch
2004 · Film
Released in 2004, Madama Butterfly is a music film directed by Franco Zeffirelli, running about 142 minutes.
What it’s 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’s in it. Madama Butterfly stars Mina Blum as Kate Pinkerton, Carlo Bosi as Goro, a matchmaker, Fiorenza Cedolins as Cio-Cio-san (Madama Butterfly) and Francesco Franci as Suzuki, her maid, among others.
Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Madama Butterfly page.
If you liked it. Fans of Madama Butterfly tend to enjoy Whiplash, Coco, Green Book and The Legend of 1900.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Madama Butterfly (2004)?
- In US, Madama Butterfly is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Who stars in Madama Butterfly?
- Madama Butterfly stars Mina Blum, Carlo Bosi, Fiorenza Cedolins, Francesco Franci and Marcello Giordani.
- When was Madama Butterfly released?
- Madama Butterfly was released in 2004, with a runtime of about 142 minutes.