I first saw Watership Down as a ten-year old child in a movie theatre in San Fransisco and clearly remember being enthralled by it, although my greater appreciation for the storyline itself did not come until some years later when I read the book in an English literature class and again saw the film. I think it's a bad idea though to compare the book to the movie and for those of you who have the film picture book, there's an excellent reason as to why the two very different forms of media ( book vs.movie) should not be compared. That being said, I felt the film was an excellent adaptation of a truly powerful and complex story with compelling characters.

The movie perfectly captured with its hand-drawn and painted illustrations the great beauty of the English countryside surround Watership Down and of the down itself as well as depicting the characters with each of their unique personalities; voiced appropriately by great actors such as John Hurt. The movie effectively depicts the relationship between the characters and their struggles within their respective societies. It is after all a strong political statement as an animated film;  the preference and advantages of a free democratic society versus an oppressive totalitarian one ( Hazel's warren versus General Woundwort's Efrafa).

Watership Down as a movie encompasses all that I enjoy in a good movie: a great plot, unique and memorable characters, drama, action, bloodshed, and an especially moving, sad but uplifting ending. While it's no Disney film, older children and adults can certainly appreciate the storyline. It's intense and moving with compelling scenes ( Fiver's Bright Eyes sequence was one of the most powerful parts of the movie, and it never fails to bring tears to my eyes as well) and a wonderfully moving musical score accompanying some of the best parts of the film. I highly recommend this allegorical film to anyone who enjoys a great story that's a true classic in every sense of the word.