Watership Down (1978)
Parental Guidance Recommended
| Director: | Martin Rosen |
| Actors: | John Hurt, Nigel Hawthorne, Denholm Elliott, Michael Hordern, Richard Briers, Zero Mostel, Hannah Gordon, Sir Ralph Richardson |
A timeless classic comes alive in this enchanting movie based on the worldwide best-selling novel by Richard Adams. A delightful film for audiences of most ages.
Nestled among the rolling hills and peaceful meadows of England lives a community of rabbits. When their warren is threatened, a small group of brave rabbits escapes into the unknown countryside in search of a new home. Led by the visionary Fiver, the courageous BigWig, the clever Blackberry, and the honourable Hazel, they face daunting challenges, and use their strength and cunning to survive, while pursuing their dream.
Director Martin Rosen frames the tale largely from the viewpoint of the rabbits, so that we identify with each one. Packed with excitement and adventure, Watership Down is an engaging, thrilling tale that celebrates traditional values of loyalty, courage and spirit. Deeply moving in a way that no other animated film has ever achieved.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 89mins |
| Origin: | CANADA |
| Aspect Ratio: | 1.78:1 |
If you like this, try these:
Member Reviews (20)
20 Member
Reviews
Autumn Sadie
says
A beautiful, yet tragic film which really grasps hold on the political and social issues of the time - though indeed still valid points today. I was moved by the characters and their stories, such power.... The graphics/ drawings were well done for the age too. Violent, yes... and blood... but it makes sense. Without the violence, the message would not be strong. A heartfelt 5 stars.
Georgie
says
First of all I really dont think this is a movie for young children, maybe older ones. Fantastic movie, but very sad & I was shocked to see how violent bunnies can be. It is a beautiful told tale and I admit, I was crying at the end. I loved it & having my own bunnies as pets I understand the movie so much more. Grab some tissues if you are an animal lover....
Matthew
says
Not really suitable for younger kids.
marjorie
says
Saw it years ago.... now dated but still worth watching. The book is far better.
John Visser.
says
II read this story to my eldest daughter in 1979 and we both fell in love with all the characters good and bad, When I saw the movie it brought all those in the novel to life, my favourite movie of all time.
Paul F.
says
Terrific family movie
Janelle P.
says
I watched this movie when I was twelve, crying through the movie. It was pleasing to know I didn't cry this time. What spectacular animation for a 1978 movie, beautiful storyline.
Freya
says
Rather dated now....but nevertheless, a gentle film regarding the realities of life as a bunny!
Roslyn H.
says
Must say I was disappointed in this movie I had been so looking forward to it as well, as there was so much missing. It was very disjointed. For a book that is over 400 pages to turn it into an 89min cartoon did not do it justice.
Also not a movie for young kids, but if you had read the book you would know this.
Earth.W
says
Unlike the book, this cartoon style movie is made for children though some children may find the element of death a bit scary. Death is an important part of the story without being too graphic for children to accept.
A wonderful story about life, standing up for yourself, about community, etc.
Tony
says
A brave but pale attempt at a great book. In one way it's nice to think that not everything can be brought successfully to the screen, that there's still the place for a good book. The film was unable to explain the complex life of the characters, and I found it difficult to identify the characters - all rabbits look much the same, although the different voices helped.
What the film did do for me was make me take the book out again.
Rebecca C.
says
I read the book the book when I was in high school and then saw the movie the movie is very true to the novel.
Guaranteed to leave you misty eyed.
Adrian H.
says
I read this book in high school.This film is one of the few that does the book justice
Patrick S.
says
Catriona Quinell
says
very moving for very little rabbits
Claudine Grandjean
says
For those who like animation it is extremely well done.
Leah
says
Timeless and lovely. Strange too.
Peter Beckett
says
Jenny White
says
Kerrie Hutcheon
says
very sad and compelling movie touches everyones heart strings. I saw this movie when I was in primary school and it left a lasting impression on me so worth watching.