War of the Buttons is a 2011 French film directed by Christophe Barratier. The movie is set in a small village in occupied France during World War II. The story follows a group of kids who engage in a play war between two rival gangs, led by Lebrac and Violette.
Lebrac, who is played by Jean Texier, is the leader of the gang of boys who live in the village. He is intelligent, brave, and resourceful, but he also has a soft spot for a girl named Simone, played by Ilona Bachelier. Simone, who is Jewish, is in danger of being discovered by the local Nazi sympathisers who are patrolling the area, trying to round up Jewish people.
Lebrac and his gang of boys go to great lengths to protect Simone, hiding her in a secret spot in the woods. However, they soon discover that their actions have consequences, and they must deal with the reality of what is happening around them.
The village is divided between those who collaborate with the Nazis and those who resist. The resistance is led by a teacher named Bacaillé, played by Guillaume Canet. Bacaillé teaches the kids valuable lessons about courage, honour, and responsibility.
As the conflict between the two rival gangs escalates, the film becomes more intense and emotional. The ending is both heartwarming and tragic, leaving the viewers with a sense of the hardships and struggles of those who lived through the war.
Overall, War of the Buttons is a touching and powerful film that explores the themes of war, love, solidarity, and courage. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of World War II, as well as those who appreciate heartfelt and well-crafted storytelling.