Watership Down (Deluxe Edition)

This is a tale of Rabbits seeking a safe new home, we follow their journey in heart wrenching detail, filled with danger and great sadness, there are some lighter moments that gives the viewer some emotional relief, but ultimately you are left feeling for these wonderful characters.

I recommend this movie, warning those who are first time viewers, if you are expecting a cutesy kiddy type movie then forget it, Watership Down can be viewed by kids with parental guidance so they (the parents! as much as the kids) can be comforted when the story gets too much, keep a box of tissues handy, cause that song BRIGHT EYES gets me every time I hear it, so be warned. I will always love this movie and hope you will too.


But it ISN'T for children!   September 9, 1999
26 out of 27 found this review helpful

There is nothing "bad" about this movie. The fact that it has rabbits acting not so cute and cuddly does not make it bad, or give a bad message to children. It portrays the struggle to survive against those who wish to dominate and control. It shows the challenges a good leader must face in trying to achieve a better life for his (or in the case of Hyzenthlay, her) people. It sets a shining example for leadership in the main character, Hazel; as well as who NOT to aspire to be like (Woundwort).

This movie is unfortunately seen as a kiddie movie just because of the fact that it is animated. I see it time and again in the kid's section of the video store, and that is not where it belongs. It is a serious drama, one with violence and adult themes and situations very young children would not understand. It is an adult movie, or at least if viewed by a child should be done so under adult guidance. Parents wanting yet another 90 minute babysitter would do better purchasing the latest Disney tripe. But if you want a movie you can enjoy with your child, one that will leave them pondering tough issues regarding society, politics, life and death, a movie that will not dumb them down but make them think, and even want to read the novel, then this is the one.


The cold, cruel world through the eyes of rabbits   October 22, 1999
erugifog (Seattle, WA USA)
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

In reading through the previous reviews, I was struck by how almost all were written by people from my age group. I was 10 when I first saw this movie in the theater. From where I sit typing this, I can see the novel of the same name on my bookshelf. I convinced my mother to buy it for me shortly after seeing the film. Obviously, this movie made a lasting impression on us all. Just reading the reviews brought back images from my theater viewing 20 years ago.

To reiterate what others have said, this is not a film for small children; my two little ones will have to wait several more years. Death and killing are topics that are usually avoided in animated movies, but life and death are part of the adult-oriented subject matter in this engaging film. The animation may be somewhat dated, but the themes of this wonderful story (the longing for freedom and a better life) are as relevant today as ever. Hopefully this movie will make its way to DVD soon.


Fantastic Film   March 17, 2000
K-Joy (San Diego, CA)
16 out of 17 found this review helpful

Many people suggest that Watership Down is not for children. I disagree. Although the message would probably be lost on a child under the age of ten, I think this is an important movie for most kids as it depicts real life struggles as seen through the eyes of a band of rabbits. This particular film is a great way for parents to introduce crucial life issues to their children in a way they can understand. Most literature and film tend to underestimate children's capacity for understanding complex issues. Watership Down book and movie both brilliantly tackle advanced concepts such as political systems, religion and the environment in a way children can grasp. Rarely do you find a children's movie that has the intellectual content of Watership Down. Because of some of the violent scenes, I do suggest that parents watch it with their children in order to answer questions and address concerns. I truly love this film.