Overview
A blind man discovers the joys of independence and love in a vibrant city.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- warm
- sentimental
- date night
- classic movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film a polished, intimate, well-acted stage adaptation whose sharp dialogue and performances were tempered by sentimentality and emotional contrivance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Jill and Don become closely connected after meeting as next-door neighbors in a San Francisco apartment building.
Don seeks life away from his overprotective mother, while Jill's free-spirited confidence is also tested by their relationship.
The film adapts Leonard Gershe's successful Broadway play and emphasizes a tight, intimate dramatic structure.
Don's blindness is central to his effort to establish an independent home and adult romantic life.
Films like Butterflies Are Free, and why
Cactus Flower
shared romantic comedy structure, unconventional neighbors, and warm but sentimental character development
The Goodbye Girl
shared witty relationship dynamics, liberated female protagonist, and early-1970s romantic comedy tone
The Odd Couple
shared intimate apartment setting, oppositional personalities, and comedy shaped by emotional vulnerability
Movie Details
- Director
- Milton Katselas
- Release Date
- 1972-07-06
- Runtime
- 109 min
- Rating
- 6.8 / 10 (90)
Cast
- Goldie Hawn
- Edward Albert
- Eileen Heckart
- Paul Michael Glaser
- Michael Warren
- Charlene Jones
- Jessica Rains
- Paul Ryan
- Debralee Scott
- Sandra Vacey
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- fuboTV
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Butterflies Are Free about?
- A sheltered blind young man and his free-spirited actress neighbor teach each other difficult lessons about independence, intimacy, and adulthood.
- What is Butterflies Are Free like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Butterflies Are Free as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Butterflies Are Free violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Butterflies Are Free.
- What did critics think of Butterflies Are Free?
- Critics broadly found the film a polished, intimate, well-acted stage adaptation whose sharp dialogue and performances were tempered by sentimentality and emotional contrivance.
- Which films are like Butterflies Are Free?
- Films with a similar feel include Cactus Flower, The Goodbye Girl, and The Odd Couple.
- How long is Butterflies Are Free?
- Butterflies Are Free runs 109 minutes.
- Where can I watch Butterflies Are Free?
- In United States, Butterflies Are Free streams on fuboTV.
