Review of Watership Down (1978) by Kenneth B — 10 May 2012

I'm not ashamed to say that this is perhaps the film the I remember from my childhood that I can return to and still take something out of it. It does seem as though the vast majority of fans of Watership Down loved it from a young age. Perhaps it is the values that are inherent within this remarkable tale. Clocking in at just under 90 minuites it is as faithful to the source material as possible, all things considered. The opening segment which presents the rabbit folklore is interesting in its animation style, which is removed from the rest of the film. Following this an ominous tone is established from pretty much from the offset. Fiver's vision of the field covered in blood and his description of the a coming darkness is an indication of the imagination at work here but it also establishes the serious mood.

The journey that the rabbits embark on is fraught with danger and there are plenty of surprises along the way. The use of surreal imagery to describe some of the more stark elements of the story is inspired and helps contrast the lighter elements against the darker ones. The voice acting is superb for the most part with John Hurt and Richard Briers, the most prominent, perfectly inhabiting their characters. The Bright Eyes segment which is one of the most famous in the film, both loved and maligned perhaps in equal measure, according to Martin Rosen was featured contractually yet they make it work nicely. It could have jolted and felt out of place but it actually doesn't, it is an interesting way to show Fiver's search for Hazel.

The pacing is careful and builds nicely to an exciting finale which is both brutal and beautiful. It is remarkable that this film was made in a way which was so fearless yet it managed to gain such a following. It would have done the book a disservice to soften the harsher elements of the story. This isn't a sentimental film, it is at times a harsh and bleak film that presents death in a way that most films aimed at a younger audience would shy away from. It is also a film about friendship and loyalty, amongst other things so the effect is ultimately an uplifting one. Watership Down is a film that I can remember from my earliest days watching films and it has remained with me ever since. There is a reason that people who watched it as children still appreciate it and also why it has received such high acclaim from many of those who discovered it later in life. It is a mature film which has a social message to accompany the character interactions.