M. Butterfly

In 1964 Beijing, Rene Gallimard, a reserved accountant at the French embassy, attends a performance by the opera diva, Song Liling. The emotional depth of her rendition from *Madame Butterfly* captivates him, igniting a newfound appreciation for the art he had previously overlooked.

After the opera, Rene shares his enthusiasm with his wife, Jeanne, only to face her scorn. She criticizes his romanticized view of the submissive Oriental woman, suggesting that the Chinese cultural perspective is far more complex than his simplistic perception.

Three weeks later, Rene, feeling emboldened by his fascination with Song, returns to the opera and meets her backstage. Their initial connection hints at deeper feelings, though Rene is wary of revealing the truth to Jeanne, leading to emotional turmoil in his marriage.

Rene's infatuation compels him to visit Song in her parlor, an act that is considered taboo in their conservative society. This visit ends awkwardly when Rene attempts to kiss her, only to be met with her coolness, prompting a mix of hope and doubt in their growing relationship.

As Rene becomes more entangled in his feelings for Song, Ambassador Toulon notes a significant change in his demeanor, suggesting that he has transformed into a more aggressive individual. This transformation subsequently leads to Rene's appointment as Vice Consul, adding pressure to his already complicated emotions.

Driven by passion, Rene confronts Song who shyly confesses, 'I am your butterfly.' This moment marks a turning point, as their relationship deepens despite the ongoing secrecy and societal expectations they must navigate.

Unbeknownst to Rene, Song is actually a double agent, feeding misinformation to Comrade Chin. This juxtaposition of love and betrayal foreshadows the eventual fallout of their passionate affair, as Rene remains oblivious to the dangers surrounding them.

In a heartfelt moment, Song informs Rene of her pregnancy, which fills him with joy and hope for their future together. However, she secretly confides in Chin, revealing her ulterior motive: she needs to bear a blonde-haired child to maintain her cover.

Months later, as political tensions escalate in China with the emergence of the Red Guards, Rene's world begins to crumble. The art community faces dangerous repercussions, culminating in a heart-wrenching encounter when Song brings their supposed 'son' to him.

Rene witnesses the horrifying consequences of the political landscape when Song is apprehended by the Red Guards. The sight of her being taken away to a re-education camp signifies the end of their dreams and the beginning of a painful reality for Rene.

As the political climate worsens, Rene finds himself laid off from his diplomatic position for misjudging political circumstances in China and Vietnam. With deportation looming over him, he grapples with the consequences of his actions and emotions.

Fast forward to 1968 Paris, Rene watches *Madame Butterfly* once again, tears streaming down his face as memories of his tragic romance flood back. Outside, the chaos of pro-Communist student riots starkly contrasts with his internal turmoil and sense of loss.

During a tumultuous time in his life as a motorcycle courier, Rene unexpectedly reunites with Song, though their joy is tragically short-lived. His freedom is soon hindered when he is arrested for espionage, accused of leaking vital information.

At the trial, Rene is shocked when Song appears dressed as a man, revealing the layers of deception that defined their relationship. Her testimony about the lengths he went for their love sends shockwaves through the courtroom, exposing the intricate web of lies surrounding them.

In a harrowing moment in prison, Rene delivers an emotional monologue about his doomed love affair. As Song boards a plane back to China, he chooses to end his life, embodying the tragic fate of the operatic heroine he once admired, leaving behind a powerful legacy of love intertwined with betrayal.