Cast
View All
Liam Cunningham
as The Master
Colm Meaney
as Geronimo's Dad
Ger Ryan
as Fergus' Mum
Gregg Fitzgerald
as Fergus
Gerard Kearney
as Big Con
Darragh Naughton
as Boffin
Brendan McNamara
as Tim
Kevin O'Malley
as Fishy
John Cleere
as Peter
Anthony Cunnigham
as Little Con
Thomas Kavanagh
as Riley
Eveanna Ryan
as Marie
John Crowley
as Pat
Stuart Dannell Foran
as Tich
Danielle Tuite
as Fionnualla
Crew
Director
- John Roberts
Writer
- Colin Welland
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
War of the Buttons represents a fascinating example of Family cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director John Roberts brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1994, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of War of the Buttons took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 352 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1994, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While War of the Buttons shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ronja the Robber's Daughter, which focuses more on action than character development, War of the Buttons offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Mary Poppins explore similar territory, War of the Buttons stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 29, 1994
- Runtime: 1h 34m
