I saw this wonderful film in two versions when it was first released. The first was with sub- titles, and in the second English was dubbed in. The sub-title version was much better, as it more closely followed the actual language used. But I thoroughly enjoyed the film on both occasions, and later added a copy to my collection.The performances of the boys was uniformly superb, and the "war" progressed naturally and logically to its inevitable disastrous conclusion. I was, as I am sure everyone was, totally captivated by the performance of little Martin Lartigue as Petit Gibus, the smallest member of Lebrac's gang. I will never forget his checking of his "qualifications" for leading the gang, and his sad conclusion that he would "Never be the leader!"All in all this is a delightful film which I still enjoy watching as much as I did when I first saw it.

From the moment José Berghmans wonderful music loudly bursts through the opening credits, and we see the French countryside spread out before us, the scene is set for some comedic kid's action. And the film doesn't fail in its presentation of kid's war games as adventures of childhood than the adult realities. Full of French flavour and populated with excitable adults and children, it's a hilarious picture of how children play together. The penalty for being captured is the loss of all your buttons and the method of one gang to avoid this is a hoot! I watched it without sub-titles and although I don't speak French, it still had me in fits of laughter. Petit Gibus is so funny when, plied with Calvados, he gets very drunk and very merry. This is a film that belies the fact that films need computer graphics and violence to be watchable. This film recalls an era when simples games and adventures were all that were needed to fill your days.

I used to watch this film when I was little. My sister and I actually destroyed the tape because of two much use. Some may say that it's only for children, but it's also an obvious and delightful allegory of the two World Wars. Of course, if you're not fluent in French, it doesn't really worth watching it, because everything is in the lines. It's a wonderful tribute to French people, French countryside life, French nation in general. The children are giving great performances, being touching, cute and above all realistic!!! Just watch it and enjoy! Vive la France!

A real delight. Wistfully nostalgic for the innocence and inspired creativity of childhood. Hilarious in parts. Why is this such an obscure film?