“Watership Down” is a 1978 British animated adventure-drama film directed by Martin Rosen. Based on the 1972 novel of the same name by Richard Adams, the film features an ensemble voice cast including John Hurt, Richard Briers, Ralph Richardson, Michael Graham Cox, and Zero Mostel. The film is notable for its mature themes and unflinching portrayal of the struggles faced by a group of rabbits seeking a new home.
The main characters include Hazel (voiced by John Hurt): The protagonist and leader of the rabbits who demonstrates wisdom, bravery, and compassion. Fiver (voiced by Richard Briers): Hazel’s brother, a small and nervous rabbit with prophetic visions. Bigwig (voiced by Michael Graham Cox): A strong and courageous former member of the Sandleford Warren’s Owsla (the warren’s police force). General Woundwort (voiced by Harry Andrews): The tyrannical leader of Efrafa, a warren ruled by fear and strict control. Kehaar (voiced by Zero Mostel): A loud and comedic seagull who assists the rabbits. Blackberry (voiced by Simon Cadell): A clever and inventive rabbit who often comes up with solutions to problems. Cowslip (voiced by Denholm Elliott): A rabbit from a strange, enigmatic warren that hides dark secrets and Hyzenthlay (voiced by Hannah Gordon): A doe from Efrafa who becomes an ally to Hazel and his group.
The film begins in the peaceful Sandleford Warren, where Fiver has a terrifying vision of impending doom. He convinces his brother Hazel that they must leave their home to survive. Despite skepticism from their fellow rabbits, a small group decides to join them, including Bigwig, Blackberry, Dandelion, and Pipkin. They set off on a perilous journey to find a new home, facing numerous challenges and dangers along the way.
Whilst on their quest to find a new warren the group encounters various obstacles, including predators and difficult terrain. They come across a warren led by the mysterious Cowslip, who offers them shelter. However, Fiver senses something wrong and uncovers the warren’s dark secret: the rabbits are fed by a farmer who occasionally harvests them. The group quickly leaves, realizing they must continue their search.
Along the way, they meet Kehaar, an injured seagull who becomes their ally. Kehaar helps them locate the ideal location for their new warren, Watership Down, a hill with ample resources and safety from predators.
Upon reaching Watership Down, the rabbits begin to establish their new home. However, they realize that their warren lacks does (female rabbits) necessary for the colony’s future. Hazel decides to mount a mission to find and bring does back to Watership Down.
The group learns about Efrafa, a nearby warren ruled by the brutal General Woundwort. Efrafa is overcrowded and its inhabitants live under strict martial control. Hazel devises a plan to infiltrate Efrafa and rescue does willing to escape.
Bigwig infiltrates Efrafa, earning the trust of the oppressed rabbits, including Hyzenthlay. Together, they plot their escape, managing to outwit Woundwort’s forces and flee to Watership Down with the help of Kehaar.
General Woundwort, enraged by the escape, leads an attack on Watership Down. In a dramatic and violent confrontation, Hazel and his friends manage to outsmart Woundwort. Bigwig engages in a fierce fight with Woundwort, holding him off long enough for Hazel’s plan to take effect.
The climax sees Hazel luring a dog to the warren, which chases off Woundwort and his soldiers. Woundwort disappears, leaving his fate ambiguous. The remaining Efrafans, free from Woundwort’s tyranny, join forces with Hazel’s group, and the two warrens unite.
The film ends on a hopeful note, with the rabbits of Watership Down thriving in their new home. Hazel, now older, receives a vision of the Black Rabbit of Inlé (a rabbit symbol of death), who invites him to join his Owsla (the afterlife). Hazel passes away peacefully, knowing that he has ensured the future of his warren.
“Watership Down” at it’s core is a film about survival, freedom, and the natural world’s harsh realities. It is renowned for its mature and sometimes dark portrayal of the rabbits’ journey, addressing complex issues such as tyranny, sacrifice, and the struggle for a better life.
The film’s animation, music, and voice performances contribute to its enduring impact. “Bright Eyes,” a song by Art Garfunkel featured in the film, became a hit and further cemented the film’s legacy. Despite its initial controversy for its violent content, “Watership Down” remains a beloved classic, appreciated for its storytelling depth and emotional resonance.
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