Watership Down

Starring: John Hurt, Richard Briers, Michael Graham Cox, John Bennett
Written by: Richard Adams (novel), Martin Rosen
Director: Martin Rosen
Year: 1978

Rating: * * * *  Stars       +       (Fan Bonus - )  Total: * * * *


Let's be clear, there is a distinction between a cartoon, and an animated story. Cartoons imply comedy, and is universally panned as safe for children. An animated story does not have to adhere to those parameters.  Watership Down attempts to expose the life of rabbits in a compelling, realistic way. Violence, bloodshed and tyranny are as much a part of this story as hope, survival and friendship. And while it isn't recommended for small children, it tells a compelling tale for young and old.


Problematic for tales such as these is attributing human qualities to animals, such as speech, logic, and the more evolved emotions. This is necessary as a storytelling tool. However, these attributes are kept minimal. The rabbits aren't bipedal. They hop, sniff, raise their ears and move just as natural rabbits do. Their motivations are natural too. They're simply looking for a new place to live. A place safe from the dangers of humans, predators, and other warrens.


There are some deep qualities presented in this film, such as Richard Adams constructing a creation myth in which rabbits are central to the creator, a being they call the "Great Frith." This mythology is important to the understanding of what rabbits "believe in" and how the characters deal with their conflicts of faith. So compelling is the narrative, that you begin to forget your watching rabbits. Their world becomes as complex and dangerous as our own.


While the animation is old school inking and coloring, the backgrounds are breathtaking watercolor landscapes. The animation also has an alternate style during the creation myth and the "visions" that haunt Fiver, one of the central characters. So you're actually treated to several animation styles throughout.


The story centers on Fiver, the runt of the warren, who has visions of an apocalyptic ending to the warren and warns others that they should leave. Most scoff at him, but a few take it on faith and make a daring getaway. They then travel through the countryside encountering many curiosities and dangers. Fiver, having no sense of direction, continues on believing their destination will eventually be found. The others begin to lose confidence. Fiver is vindicated when they come across Watership Down, a hill overlooking the whole world (or what a group of rabbits considers "the world"). But even paradise has its own problems. They need females to fill the warren, who are held captive in a farmers coup. There is also another warren, run by "the General" who rules with an iron hand, and his soldiers severely punish any who show the slightest hint of insurrection. 


Freedom and oppression, faith and friendship, and the everyday struggles for survival are the central themes to this wonderful film which has grossly been under the radar for far too long. A great story, wonderful animation and images, a bitter-sweet ending, and a soulful theme song from Art Garfunkel makes Watership Down a movie you'll be glad you watched.








SEE THE TRAILER: Watership Down