War of the Buttons
War of the Buttons

Movie spotlight

War of the Buttons

2011
Movie
109 min
French

1960. The thrilling battles waged by a band of kids from two rival villages in the southern French countryside.

Insights

IMDb5.7/10
Google Users70%
Director: Christophe BarratierGenres: Comedy, Family, Adventure

Plot Summary

In a small village in France during World War II, children from two rival villages, Loin de Vent and Verderel, engage in an escalating game of 'war' where the main objective is to capture the buttons from their opponents' clothes. What starts as a childhood rivalry soon becomes a more serious conflict, especially when the children witness real wartime events and are forced to confront the dangers of their 'game'. They must learn to put aside their differences to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Critical Reception

The 2011 French film 'War of the Buttons' received a generally mixed to positive reception from audiences, praised for its heartwarming portrayal of childhood friendship and its blend of humor and historical context. While some critics found it to be a charming and nostalgic family film, others noted its similarities to previous adaptations and a somewhat predictable storyline. It was particularly appreciated for its ability to capture the spirit of childhood adventure while subtly touching upon the realities of war.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its charming depiction of childhood rivalries and friendships.

  • Appreciated for its blend of humor and adventure set against a historical backdrop.

  • Some viewers found the plot to be somewhat predictable compared to earlier versions.

Google audience: Google users generally enjoyed the film, highlighting its wholesome family-friendly nature and the engaging dynamics between the child actors. Many appreciated the nostalgic feel and the underlying message of unity, though a few felt it lacked originality.

Fun Fact

This 2011 film is a remake of the 1962 French film 'La Guerre des boutons' (The War of the Buttons), which was itself based on the 1912 novel of the same name by Louis Pergaud.

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