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I saw this film for the first time after a friend who had seen it in the theater in 1978 recommended it. I was prepared to watch a children’s movie and was struck by the seriousness of the subject and the realistic scenes.
The film begins with the mythology of the rabbit which is rather odd but in a cute way. This introduction foreshadows the hardships and enemies the rabbit species will face. From there the story seems to touch on at least two issues: fascism/Marxism and environmentalism. The latter is only briefly touched on. The small rabbit Fiver, who has unexplained powers to foresee the future, urges a group of fellow rabbits in his “warren” to leave before their land is destroyed by some destructive force. Actually, it is man who tears up their fields, but it is only described briefly by a survivor. In their journey to the safe mountain top (utopia?), they encounter several enemies and a funny bird friend (my favorite of the characters). Once they reach their destination, they realize that they have no females in their group (the only “doe” having been killed) and must return to dangerous territory to acquire mates. Their worst enemy, ironically, is a member of their own species; a fascist rabbit who threatens to have any dissenter from his warren killed. Also, ironically, inventions of man (i.e. a boat) are used by the rabbits in their struggle to survive. A musical segment with music sung by Art Garfunkel interrupts the fairly fast-moving story.
The violence in this film is surprisingly realistic and graphic. Some rabbits do not make it, so very young children may need to be prepared before watching. I also looked at a VHS copy of this film, and DVD is far superior in terms of graphics and color. The extras on this DVD were a little disappointing considering that this film is a classic (i.e. a glossary of rabbit words that is not even complete). Still, this animated film is one that adults may appreciate more than the kids.
Like many of the reviewers before me I first watched this back when I was a child and yes it did provoke a range of emotions in me. I cheered when they escaped on the boat; I was sickened in the recount of the fate of the first warren. I admit it 15 years on I still cry at the end of the movie. Don’t be fooled into thinking just because it’s and animated feature about rabbits that this film will be suitable for younger kids, it is NOT. Watership down has quite graphic representations of brutality and death. Putting those facts aside it does tell a compelling story about a band of refugees looking for some place to resettle and live their lives out in peace. It just happens that the refugees are rabbits.
This is a story of survival. It is a mature story told in a make believe way. It is told with an edge of realism that contradicts the candy coating of the animation and character species. I just bought a copy of this so my wife and I could watch it. Melanie (My wife) having not seen it before and not knowing what to expect was left speechless when Violet was gone. If I were to rate the film I would give it at least a PG maybe even a PG 13 for its possible NIGHTMARES for younger children. I give the story 4 stars for being entertaining and well told
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