Product Details

• Actors: Gregg Fitzgerald, Gerard Kearney (II), Darragh Naughton, Brendan McNamara, Kevin O'Malley
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Warner Home Video
• VHS Release Date: September 1, 1998
• Run Time: 95 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (71 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6303954294
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #150,850 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

This is a story of children from two small towns in Ireland who form small armies and battle against each other in a never-ending quest for supremacy. The film investigates the slightly surreal and powerfully emotional world we inhabit as children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Titles can be decieving.., January 9, 2004

By 

Carrie (PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: War of the Buttons [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Okay, so, I have to say that when I was first introduced to this movie by one of my friends, I was like, "War of the Buttons? What kind of a name for a movie is that?" and was prepared not to like it. However, I was proven to be wrong, and this has been one of my most favorite movies in a long time. It is about two groups of boys from two different Irish towns, Ballydowse and Carrickdowse, who decide to wage "war" for "the hell of it." If one member gets captured by an opposing team, their buttons are cut off and kept as trophies, and the victim is sent home to let "their parents do the hurting." You can't help but cheer for the Ballys, who aren't as well off as the Carricks and have to be more creative in their ideas for war. The acting is terrific, most notably the leaders of the two groups--Fergus (Gregg Fitzgerald), an abused, unloved teenager but yet has lots of spirit, who is the head of the Ballys, and Geronimo (John Coffey), the head of the Carricks, who has many noble and charismatic qualities. To me, this movie was more than simply boys fighting each other with sticks--even though there was plenty of that--but was instead about boys growing up and finding themselves, about right and wrong, friendship, betrayal, and learning to see past senseless hate for others. I fully enjoyed every minute of this movie--it was humoruous, yet also nostalgic and sentimental, but not overly so. A must see, for viewers of all ages!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars When will this be available on DVD?!!!, December 19, 2005

By 

Ti-Leigh Telford "Ti-Leigh" (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: War of the Buttons [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I watched this movie years ago and have waited patiently for it to become available on DVD. I'm still waiting (also for Masterpiece Theatre's Poldark). This movie is wonderful for adults and kids. It would sell just by word of mouth if someone would just make it available. Help!!!!!!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific film about growing up!, August 12, 2005

By 

Allison Quinn "Allison" (Indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: War of the Buttons [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Just recently, I picked up a copy of "War of the Buttons" at my local video store, mostly attracted by the lively cover. Not really sure what to expect, I watched it and found it to be a fantastic movie that is appropriate for all ages. The characters in the story, especially Fergus and Geronimo, learn about friendship, betrayal, loyalty, and other qualities that make and break the Carricks and Ballys. "War of the Buttons" also covers the issue of the rich/poor divide. A victim of lost buttons and torn clothing from Carrickdowse is simply able to get a new shirt and tie, while a Bally, who cannot replace things so easily, might be punished for losing his buttons and destroying his clothes. Fergus learns this the hard way. However, everything seems to fall into place by the end. The Ballys experience the joys of both victory and defeat as well as the Carricks. Any viewer, regardless of age, should be prepared to enjoy this movie. Have fun. It's terrific.