Watership Down (1978) – Film Review

Directors: Martin Rosen, John Hubley
Voice Cast: John Hurt, Richard Briers, Ralph Richardson
Certificate: PG

By Sarah Morgan

“Is it a kind of a dream?/Floating out on the tide/Following the river of death downstream/Oh, is it a dream?”

No, Art Garfunkel, it’s an absolute nightmare, a film that left thousands of children mentally scarred for years. Or at least, those who went to Park Road Infants School in Mexborough anyway.

For reasons that remain a mystery, its teachers thought that when Watership Down was released, it would be ideal viewing for all pupils aged four to seven. So off we trooped to the Majestic Cinema, with the youngest of us in the prime seats, close up to the screen.

“Danger lurking”

Within a half hour, the majority had been escorted out, screaming and wailing at what was happening to the poor rabbits. I think, looking back, I was more traumatised by the terror of my friends than I was by the story, but for well over 40 years, I still shuddered at the thought of the animated version of Richard Adams’s much-admired novel.

So, when it was announced that the BFI was releasing the film in a swanky Blu-ray edition, I thought watching it might banish those memories forever. I’m not sure it has, but I’m pleased to report that I haven’t shown any signs of PTSD. Yet…

It’s rather an odd tale, which begins by offering a mythology of rabbits before following the fortunes of Fiver, Hazel, Bigwig and their friends after Fiver, a sort of mystic member of the group, has an apocalyptic vision that suggests they will all be killed if they don’t leave their current warren.

However, finding a new, safe place to live proves to be difficult, with danger lurking around every corner, not just from predators such as dogs and humans, but from fellow members of the Lepus tribe.

Although described as an adventure, there are elements of folk horror here, while the vocal talents of the likes of Richard Briers, John Hurt and Denholm Elliott bring the animation to life. I’m not sure Zero Mostel’s over-the-top vocalisms while playing a seagull that helps the group sits well with the low-key nature of the rest of the project, however. But it’s rather refreshing to see actual drawings, rather than the computer-generated imagery prevalent today.

“Memorable”

The Mike Batt-written song ‘Bright Eyes’, sung by Garfunkel, may be the most famous musical aspect of the film, but Leeds-born and Swinton, South Yorkshire-raised Angela Morley deserves plaudits for her soundtrack. It was written quickly after the original composer fell ill, and she delivers something memorable that compliments the action rather than overwhelming it.

A treasure of special features, including interviews with Martin Rosen, the driving force behind the adaptation, and some of the animators who worked on the film, offer wonderful insights into how Watership Down was made. Archive material from the BFI that compliments the subjects raised in the movie are also on the disc.

Will it be another 40-odd years before I feel brave enough to watch again? Probably not. But if you’re thinking of introducing your own children to it, maybe watch it yourself first to make sure they have strong enough stomachs to appreciate it.