“Watership Down” - The Movie

Since we have already made an in depth review of Richard Adams classic Watership Down, we will not be explaining the storyline of the animated movie version (See our article for the storyline Watership Down). Suffice it to say, the movie is about a small band of rabbits in search of a new home where they can find peace. This article will center on our comments about this magical film we have recently viewed for the second time.

“Watership Down” is an English production from 1978 so the animation is typical for its time and will seem dated compared to today’s animation techniques. Do not be expecting Disney-type hyperactive characters who burst into song with lots of computer generated special effects embellishing their performances. In fact, the animation of the “WaterShip Down” rabbits is more like watching stuffed rabbits speak against a background of a painting because it is hand drawn. Once you get used to this animation style it is actually very pleasurable to watch, especially the beauty of the English countryside. Three different styles are used, one for the main story, one for the rabbit legends in the prologue, and one for the prophetic visions.

The 88 minute “Watership Down” is very true to the book but much is omitted since the book is over 500 pages. The voices for the main characters are excellently done with John Hurt as Hazel, the chief rabbit; Richard Briers as the emotional Fiver, the seer; Michael Gruber-Fox as Bigwig, the defender; and Zero Mostel as the Yiddish speaking Kehaara, the seagull.

The musical score throughout the movie is enchanting. There is only one song in the film and it comes in the middle, a hauntingly beautiful original piece “Bright Eyes” sung by Art Garfunkle. When you get to this section be sure to have some Kleenex on hand.

Just like the book, “Watership Down” is not for small children because of its adult themes involving violence. For older children, “Watership Down” could be used as an introduction to the subject of death.

The DVD version of “Watership Down” was released as a 25th Anniversay special edition. In the Special Features there is a glossary of the rabbit terminology used in the movie such as “silfay” which means feeding time, and “hraka” which means excrement (also used as a cuss word). For some reason the DVD is already a collector’s item so it is not inexpensive to purchase. At Amazon.com the least expensive price is $43.00 (see ad below).

If you want to view “Watership Down” (which we highly recommend you do) it is shown occasionally on the IFC cable channel, or you can rent it through NetFlix like we did. And if you do get to view this wonderful film about the realistic life of rabbits, be sure to have the Kleenex ready for the end of the movie as well.