‘Red Butterfly’ Is a New All-Female Western Drama Set in 1950s Singapore

by

As a lifelong fan of Westerns, I can confidently say that the genre has always held a special place in my heart. From John Wayne to Clint Eastwood, these grizzled gunslingers have been an integral part of my cinematic journey. But let me tell you, the news about StudioCanal’s new series, Red Butterfly, has me absolutely giddy with excitement!

The traditional Western genre is often known for depicting excessive masculinity, featuring rough and tough male gunfighters who chew tobacco, don unusual shoulder capes, and spin their pistols like toys before returning them to their holsters. However, StudioCanal is creating a fresh take on the Western genre with a series that offers a different perspective… set in a different era. According to Deadline, Red Butterfly will center around an all-female gang in 1950s Singapore, which was referred to as the Asian equivalent of the Wild West.

The series, “Red Butterfly,” is inspired by real events and focuses on a pair of sisters leading a criminal organization in Singapore during a period of widespread chaos within the nation. Not only does it boast an enticing plotline, but it’s also being overseen by skilled filmmakers. Constance Cheng and Kris Ong are responsible for writing “Red Butterfly.” Cheng previously worked as a writer on the critically acclaimed period drama “The Great,” featuring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult. Meanwhile, Kris Ong collaborated on the feature film “Ajoomma” and has directed multiple short films. In this instance, Constance Cheng will serve as the showrunner.

Red Butterfly isn’t merely offering a fresh take on the genre; it’s delivering an exciting action-packed experience. The fight choreography for this series will be handled by Martial Club, a renowned YouTube channel specializing in action movies and combat sequences. Co-founded by the Le Brothers and Daniel Mah, Martial Club has made significant strides in Hollywood, contributing to the action scenes in Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and the critically acclaimed Everything Everywhere All at Once. Although a release date hasn’t been confirmed, production is scheduled to start soon in Singapore and Malaysia.

Audiences Are Still Enamored with Westerns

The Western genre, which peaked in popularity between the 1940s and 60s with characters like gunslingers, cowboys, and prairie homes captivating audiences, has seen a decline in recent times. As with any genre that experiences immense popularity, there was an increase in repetition and audience fatigue. Yet, contrary to what many believe, the Western genre remains very much alive and well, maintaining its popularity today.

Although Western films may not boast impressive box office figures (such as Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An American Saga”), they continue to captivate audiences. The genre seems to resurface in cinemas every couple of months. However, the environment for Westerns has undergone a substantial shift. What was once simple entertainment evolved into groundbreaking action movies that are now considered timeless classics (like the “Dollars” trilogy). Today, the Western genre can be seen as more of an art-house cinema style.

Consider some outstanding westerns from the last decade or so. Movies like “The Hateful Eight”, “True Grit”, “The Revenant”, “The Power of the Dog”, and “First Cow” deviate significantly from the traditional tales of gunfighters. Instead, they offer a more deliberate, introspective, and meticulous portrayal of the genre. These films often delve into the very essence of the early western era. Interestingly, the genre has expanded beyond being confined to a specific time period. Modern or “neo-westerns” have gained widespread acclaim. Films such as “No Country for Old Men”, “Hell or High Water”, “El Camino”, “Gran Torino”, and “Logan” are a few examples that retain the essence of the genre while moving away from the typical turn-of-the-20th-century setting.

Read More

2024-12-02 19:31