"The War of the Buttons" is a 1994 film directed by Yves Robert, based on the novel by Louis Pergaud. Set in a small French village during World War II, the story follows two rival groups of children, the Longevernes and the Velrans, who engage in playful battles. Their conflicts revolve around the symbolic act of cutting off each other's buttons, representing their innocence and the impact of war on childhood. The film explores themes of friendship, rivalry, and the loss of innocence. As the children navigate their conflicts, they also confront the realities of the adult world, highlighting the effects of war on their lives and relationships.