In a fascinating exploration of animated storytelling, we delve into the classic film “Watership Down,” where a group of rabbits embarks on a perilous journey to find safety. Set against the backdrop of a looming property development, this 1978 British animation directed by Michael Rosen, based on Richard Adams’s beloved children’s book, still retains the power to evoke fear in young audiences today.
“The field … it’s covered in blood!” This haunting line is delivered by Fiver, a young and perceptive rabbit voiced by the late Richard Briers. As their warren faces destruction, Fiver’s intuition drives his brother Hazel, voiced by the iconic John Hurt, and their band of rabbits to seek refuge at the rumored sanctuary of Watership Down. Along the way, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, including the impulsive Bigwig (Michael Graham Cox) and the complicated Captain Holly (John Bennett), a survivor grappling with the trauma of their home’s devastation.
However, their quest is not without challenges. They must confront the menacing General Woundwort (Harry Andrews), a formidable antagonist that fits the film’s gritty, post-apocalyptic vibe. Yet, amid their struggles, they forge an unexpected alliance with Kehaar, a talkative gull brought to life by Zero Mostel. The film boasts an impressive voice cast featuring distinguished actors like Denholm Elliott, Ralph Richardson, and Michael Hordern, creating a rich tapestry of personalities.
Recently, “Watership Down” garnered attention when the British Board of Film Classification elevated its rating from U to PG, primarily due to the vivid and often shocking depictions of violence. Scenes that linger in memory include Bigwig’s near strangulation by a wire snare and Holly’s harrowing recollection of being trapped in a burrow filled with dead rabbits. There’s also a rather unsettling moment when Bigwig, disguised as a volunteer in Woundwort’s domain, is brazenly offered any female rabbit he desires. Additionally, the encounter with Cowslip (Elliott), who lures the rabbits to his warren of death, reminds viewers of darker themes reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road.”
At its core, “Watership Down” engages with profound themes of spirituality and the afterlife, weaving a Kiplingesque narrative that explains the origins of the rabbits, centered around a belief system featuring the god Frith and his grim counterpart, the Black Rabbit. The film’s emotional weight is amplified by Mike Batt’s poignant song “Bright Eyes,” which underscores the grim possibility of Hazel’s demise.
Though some viewers at the time critiqued the animation for lacking the expressiveness of Disney classics, the rabbits’ current portrayal holds a charm and simplicity that resonates differently today. Many now see Rosen’s style as a unique, British counterpart to the enchanting works of Studio Ghibli.
“Watership Down” is set to hit UK and Irish cinemas on October 25, 2024. Are you ready to revisit this animated classic that continues to challenge and inspire new generations?
