Watership Down Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of rabbits run away from home because one of them had a bad dream, then they join a cult, fight a fascist rabbit dictator, and summon a dog to do their dirty work, all while Art Garfunkel sings a really depressing song.

🍿 Watership Down: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Fiver’s Vision and the Exodus

The story begins with Fiver, a rabbit gifted with premonitions, foreseeing the destruction of their warren. He and his brother, Hazel, attempt to warn the Chief Rabbit, but their concerns are dismissed. Realizing the imminent danger, Hazel leads a small group of rabbits to leave the warren in search of a new home, setting the stage for a perilous journey through the English countryside. The rabbits face immediate threats as they escape their warren. They encounter dangers from natural predators like hawks and badgers, as well as the looming threat of human development. The initial exodus is a desperate flight for survival, highlighting the vulnerability of the rabbits and the harsh realities of their world.

The Journey and Encounters

The journey is fraught with peril, testing the rabbits’ resilience and resourcefulness. They face numerous challenges, including crossing a dangerous river and navigating treacherous terrain. They encounter other rabbits with differing ideologies and survival strategies, from the seemingly idyllic but sinister warren of Cowslip to the brutal efficiency of Efrafa. These encounters serve to illustrate different social structures and approaches to survival. The rabbits must learn to adapt and make difficult choices in order to secure their future. Hazel’s leadership is constantly tested as he strives to protect his followers while seeking a safe and sustainable home.

Watership Down and the Need for Does

Eventually, the rabbits discover Watership Down, a high hill that offers a seemingly safe haven. However, they soon realize that their new warren lacks does, essential for the continuation of their community. This sets the stage for a daring raid on a nearby farm to liberate female rabbits from captivity. The need for does introduces a new layer of complexity to the rabbits’ struggle. They must not only defend their new home but also actively seek out members to ensure their warren’s long-term survival. This leads to conflicts with humans and other rabbit warrens.

The Tyranny of Efrafa

The rabbits learn of Efrafa, a heavily militarized warren ruled by the tyrannical General Woundwort. Efrafa represents a stark contrast to Hazel’s vision of a free and independent community. The conflict between Watership Down and Efrafa becomes inevitable, highlighting the clash between freedom and oppression. Bigwig, known for his strength and courage, infiltrates Efrafa to rescue does and other rabbits yearning for freedom. The Efrafan sections explore the film’s themes of totalitarianism and the importance of resisting authoritarian rule. The eventual escape from Efrafa is a pivotal moment, underscoring the rabbits’ determination to create a better life.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Hazel (John Hurt): A courageous and intelligent rabbit who leads his companions to safety and a new home.
• Fiver (Richard Briers): Hazel’s younger brother, a runt with prophetic visions that guide the group.
• Bigwig (Michael Graham Cox): A strong and brave ex-Owsla officer who serves as the group’s main fighter and protector.
• General Woundwort (Harry Andrews): The tyrannical leader of the Efrafa warren who seeks to control and dominate all rabbits.
• Kehaar (Zero Mostel): An injured seagull who becomes an ally to the rabbits, providing aerial reconnaissance.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Narrator: “All the world will be your enemy, Prince of a Thousand enemies. And when they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you; digger, listener, runner, Prince with the swift warning. Be cunning, and full of tricks, and your people will never be destroyed.” – This quote from the Lapine creation myth sets the stage for the rabbits’ struggle for survival, highlighting their cunning and resilience.
• Fiver: “It’s… it’s all blood!” – Fiver’s prophetic vision of the destruction of their warren is a pivotal moment that sets the entire plot in motion.
• Hazel: “My heart has joined the Thousand, for my friend stopped running today.” – Said when Hazel has passed on and his spirit is being released, going to join El-ahrairah and his Owsla
• Bigwig: “I’ll come back for you, I promise!” – Bigwig says this when he escapes Efrafa to return to Watership Down

💰Box Office

• Budget: £2,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $9,354,644
• Worldwide Gross: $21,874

💥 Watership Down Reviews

Personal Review

Watership Down was one of the first animated movies I ever saw that wasn’t afraid to be dark and complex. I remember being completely mesmerized by the story, even though some parts scared me. The scene with the snares in Cowslip’s warren was particularly unsettling, and the final battle with Woundwort was intense. As a kid, I didn’t fully grasp the allegorical elements, but the emotional impact was undeniable and the ending always made me tear up. Now, I appreciate it even more for its themes of courage, leadership, and the importance of community. It’s a film that has stayed with me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic animated films”
  • “Viewers interested in allegorical tales”
  • “Adults who appreciate mature themes in animation”
  • “Those who enjoy stories about survival and leadership”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence involving animals”
  • “Mature themes including death and loss”
  • “Potentially disturbing imagery”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “Watership Down remains a deeply affecting animated film, its simple style amplifying the story’s emotional impact. The voice acting is superb, drawing you into the rabbits’ world, making their struggles feel intensely real. A timeless classic that resonates as powerfully today as it did upon its release.
• Empire Magazine: “More than just a cartoon, Watership Down is a brutal and beautiful tale of survival. While some may find the violence shocking, it serves to underscore the rabbits’ vulnerability and the stakes of their journey. The artistry of the animation is undeniable, creating a richly detailed and believable world.
• Variety: “Watership Down is a haunting allegorical animation that captivates with its sincerity and artistry. The journey of the rabbits is a timeless parable of freedom, community, and the struggle against tyranny. While not for the faint of heart, the film’s powerful themes and stunning visuals make it an unforgettable experience.

Audience Reactions

Viewers praise the film’s emotional depth and impact, particularly its ability to evoke strong feelings despite its animated nature.: Many viewers agree that the movie is a powerful and unforgettable experience, with a lasting impact on their perspective.

The film’s unflinching portrayal of violence and death is a memorable aspect for many, sparking discussions on childhood viewing experiences.: Despite the mature themes, audiences appreciate the film’s honesty and refusal to sugarcoat the realities of survival.

Overall Consensus: Watership Down is widely regarded as a classic animated film, known for its mature themes, stunning visuals, and emotional depth, though its violent content may not be suitable for all children.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was a passion project for director Martin Rosen, who fought hard to maintain the story’s darker elements despite pressure to make it more child-friendly.”
• “The animation style was deliberately chosen to be more naturalistic and less cartoonish than typical animated films of the time, reflecting the serious tone of the story.”
• “Art Garfunkel’s ‘Bright Eyes’ was initially disliked by the filmmakers, but it became a hit and is now inextricably linked to the film, despite its somewhat incongruous tone.”
• “The film’s violence and intensity led to numerous complaints about its ‘U’ (Universal) rating in the UK, with the BBFC admitting to receiving complaints almost every year since its release. It was finally re-rated PG in 2022.”

🖥️ How to Watch Watership Down?

Watership Down is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules, as it sometimes airs on television, particularly around holidays. Availability on streaming services like Netflix or Hulu varies by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Watership Down, you might like these similar films:

• Animal Farm (1954): Both films are animated allegories that use animals to explore themes of tyranny, freedom, and societal structures.
• The Secret of NIMH (1982): Features intelligent animals on a dangerous quest for survival, with a darker tone than typical children’s animation.
• The Plague Dogs (1982): Also directed by Martin Rosen and based on a novel by Richard Adams, this film shares similar themes of animal survival and the harshness of the world, but with a more adult-oriented and bleak perspective.
• Chicken Run (2000): A group of chickens plan an escape from a farm.

🛒 Watership Down Related Products

• Watership Down [Blu-ray]: Experience the classic animated film in stunning high definition, featuring enhanced visuals and audio. Perfect for revisiting a beloved story or introducing it to a new generation.
• Watership Down: The Novel by Richard Adams: Delve into the original source material and experience the full scope of Richard Adams’ epic tale. Uncover the rich lore and complex characters that inspired the film.
• Watership Down Limited Edition Collector’s Set [Blu-ray]: This premium set includes the Blu-ray film and exclusive behind-the-scenes features, limited edition art prints, and collectible figurines.
• Watership Down Inspired T-shirt ‘All the world will be your enemy’: High-quality cotton tee featuring iconic quote. A must-have for devoted fans.

🎧 Soundtrack

Watership Down features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Bright Eyes” – performed by Art Garfunkel
• “Watership Down Main Title Theme” – performed by Angela Morley

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Watership Down is one of the most messed up films I’ve seen 🤯 #watershipdown #cinema #moviereview

Ever wonder why Watership Down is considered so messed up? This quick review dives into why this seemingly innocent animated film left such a lasting impression. Honestly, I was traumatized as a kid, so I’m curious to see if you agree!

Why Is WATERSHIP DOWN So Messed Up?!

Want to know the real reasons why Watership Down is so disturbing? This video breaks down the film’s hidden darkness, giving you a new perspective. I was surprised by some of the points it raised, you might be too!

Watership Down (2018/1978/1999-2001): side-by-side comparison

Curious how the different versions of Watership Down stack up? This side-by-side comparison reveals the differences between the various adaptations. I never realized how much the animation style changed over the years!

Watership Down ~ Lost in Adaptation

If you’re a book lover, you probably wondering how the movie compares to the original story. This breakdown explores the adaptation choices and whether they did justice to Richard Adams’ vision. I think they missed some key points, see if you agree!

✨ Rate