Watch War of the Buttons

War of the Buttons is a 2011 French film set in a small rural village in the south of France during World War II. Directed by Christophe Barratier, the film depicts the rivalry between two groups of young boys from different villages who engage in a war against each other. The story revolves around the character of Lebrac, a young boy who leads the children of the village of Longeverne. They are constantly at loggerheads with the children of the neighboring village, Velrans. The conflict between the two groups arises from minor skirmishes that later escalate into a full-fledged war, fought with a unique set of rules.

The rules of war in this case are button-stealing, where each side must steal buttons from the other side. The winning side is the one that has the most buttons at the end of the war. The children go to great lengths to steal buttons, including tracking down their opponents, sneaking into their homes, and even stripping them naked.

The war between the two sides is further complicated by the arrival of a young Jewish girl, Violette, who is on the run from the Gestapo. She seeks refuge in the village of Longeverne and is taken in by Lebrac and his friends. The children quickly realize that they must band together in order to protect Violette from the Nazis and the Velrans children who are out to get them.

Throughout the film, the characters grow and develop as they navigate the complexities of war, friendship, and love. Lebrac, in particular, grows from a hot-headed boy who is obsessed with winning the war to a mature young man who puts the safety of his friends and Violette above all else.

The film is beautifully shot, with breathtaking views of the French countryside. The script is well-written and engaging, with a mix of humor, drama, and suspense. The performances of the cast are admirable, with Laetitia Casta delivering an impressive performance as Simone, Lebrac's mother, and Guillaume Canet as the kindly teacher, who serves as a mentor to the children.

One of the themes of the movie is the impact of war on children, and how they cope with its stark reality. The film takes a compassionate approach towards the trauma suffered by children during wartime, without sugar-coating the harsh realities of the situation.

Another aspect of the film that deserves praise is its commitment to historical accuracy. The film transport viewers back in time to the early 1940s with its attention to detail, from the characters' clothing, the sets, to the way of life in rural France during the war.

In conclusion, War of the Buttons is a heart-warming and poignant film that explores themes of childhood, war, and humanity. It is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in historical dramas and coming-of-age stories. The film's beautiful cinematography, riveting plot, and powerful performances make it a truly unforgettable experience.

War of the Buttons is a 2012 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 41.