Customer Reviews

War of the Buttons [VHS]

5 star:		(53)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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!

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!!!!!!

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.

Another brilliant Irish film! War of the Buttons is adapted from a French book and film and is (apparently) set in County Cork, Ireland. It centers on two rival gangs of pre-teen boys (and a few girls), the Ballys and the Carricks from neighboring towns, Bally Dowse and Carrick Dowse. By their dress, the Carricks appear to be "the haves" and the Ballys the "have nots." The Ballys and the Carricks each are lead by brave, honorable, respectable boys, Fergus and Geronimo; each has its own traitor/coward/bully, Riley and Gorilla, respectively.

WotB captures the adventure and fun of childhood. While most of us didn't necessarily run in neighborhood gangs, many adults will be reminded of days spent in the woods, building forts, pretending to stage battles, exploring uninhabited areas, forming groups and following leaders.

The film is a lot of fun for kids. Though rated PG, there is one scene in which a bunch of the boys are completely nude, their exposed behinds for all to see. In our home, that triggered a few questions and comments from our young daugther. Other than that and several mild curse words, WotB is kid-friendly.

More than the fun, the film teaches great life lessons. Peacemaking, forgiveness, friendship, helping others, loyalty, bravery and honor are all major themes. No one could possibly miss the positive messages underlying -- or taught through -- the conflict.

WotB is a great family movie. Even if the kids aren't around, the adults can enjoy it.

I first saw this movie years ago, and I fell in love with it right away. The scenery is beautiful, and the boys in the film are great. The story is simple but so fun. I wanted to be right in there with the kids, fighting their 'battles.' I really hope this film comes out on DVD, because I don't have a VHS player anymore. It's really a gem.

There aren't many movies that really grab me, but this one did...the previous 38 reviews will have given you all the plot details... The best thing about this film is the wonderful acting of this group of mostly-unknown Irish kids. There are only 2 or 3 in the whole crowd who are veteran movie actors (you'll recognise one of the boys --"Little Con" I think his name is??--- from Into The West.)They're funny and charming and utterly real. And as an added bonus-- Liam Cunningham, one of my all-time faves, is featured as their schoolmaster. I understand that this is a remake of a French film, and I wonder how it compares to the original. Must be at least AS good!!

I love this movie! It's my favourite movie of all time, and has been since I was 10. Despite the fact that some of the scenery is artificial, the acting is magnificent, especially for such young kids. It's a wholesome movie, although there are some sad parts, for the whole family to enjoy.

In short: I laughed, I cried, I yelled, I sang... it's a beautiful movie.

The video I purchased was used, but in perfect condition. This is a well-told story of growing up in the Ireland of several decades ago, and is both hilarious and touching. Well-suited for older kids and adults. I highly recommend it!

I never thought this movie would turn out to be this GREAT! The acting was excellent. All of them acted well for newcomers in the business (especially Geronimo). I love the little smirks that the children said to eachother even though that wasn't the MAIN point of the story. "War of the Buttons" is filled with innocent, ruthless fighting, name calling, and friendhip. Anybody who has played outside in the dirt with homemade swords that are made out of sticks can relate to this movie. I recommend this movie to anyone who wants a little humor in their family room. If you feel that this movie is not right for you, I suggests you "Run Off Home to Mammy!" And remember... BALLYDOWSE All THE WAY!

War of the Buttons is a great family movie that everyone would enjoy. The acting was brilliant for new comers. It hardly shows that the cast was new at acting. You'll love this movie because it has different varieties of stories in there that does not deal with just the "War of the Buttons." Some stories deal with step-parent/step-children, traitors in friendship, discipline in family situations, kids having jobs, and lots more. With all these side stories, I feel that anyone can relate to this movie. This movie is also funny with all the little smirks that the children says to eachother. During war-time, it was harmless fighting. Not at all violent. But above all, "War of the Buttons" is a must see family movie. If you feel that this movie is not right for you, I suggest that you should "RUN HOME TO YOUR MAMMY!"