I got this yesterday on DVD, and I will say this is one of the most moving animations I have ever had the privilege of watching. I haven't read the book by Richard Adams, though I have heard that it is extremely complicated to bring to screen, but director Martin Rosen certainly did a great job constructing something this good. Now I have heard many complaints from people who hated this, saying that the animation is flat. I personally don't think that at all. I think the animation is beautiful, considering it was made in the late 70s. Another animated film that had a similar style of animation, that was made at the same time was the animated version of Lord of the Rings, except the animation here is much better and some of the stills look like my grandmother's drawings of the countryside. Very young children may find the sight of blood a bit hard to stomach, but the depiction of violence actually adds to the power of the film. I have also taken into consideration that Watership Down is not really a kids film, evidence of this is the maturity of its themes. The music by Angela Morley is very haunting and beautiful at the same time, and the song "Bright Eyes" was beautifully sung by Art Garfunkel. The story, while complicated, is very well-told, and never runs out of steam. Again, there were complaints about the pace, but I think it needed to be a little slow to fully express the emotions of the characters. Watership Down, is told in the perspective of rabbits, led by Hazel, wonderfully voiced by the immensely talented John Hurt, and his brother Fiver, a earnest portrayal by Richard Briers. Harry Andrews was very sinister as the General, who is so easy to hate, as he is genuinely frightening at times. Other actors who deserve a mention, are Joss Ackland as the Black Rabbit, and Michael Horden as Frith. In conclusion, a very well-made film, telling the immortal story of loyalty, courage and friendship, beautifully depicted here. If you haven't seen this film already, do because it is amazing. 10/10 Bethany Cox
Review of Watership Down
