Rating: Summary: SAD YET A WONDERFUL MOVIE ! Review: I watched this as a little kid barely able to understand the concept of death, and its consequences, Boy did this movie hurt and bewilder me, after crying my little eyes out I left the movie theater devastated, is this what happens to all of us eventually, not the way these brave bunnies lived and died but death it self. It wasnt until much later (years) that I could bring myself to watch this ultimately brilliant yet sad movie again, it broke my heart a second time but I could appreciate the beauty and can now see how fiction mirrors reality. 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.
Rating: Summary: WHERE'S THE DVD VERSION? Review: Just a brief note here (as most people reviewing this are saying the same praise that i would have). I would love to see this version come out on DVD, as i would probably wear out the VHS one. This is a movie i will definitely show my children.
Rating: Summary: John Hurt's voice is trapped inside my head... Review: I watched this movie over and over as a small child. John Hurt's incredibly distinctive voice is forever trapped inside the body of a rabbit for me.... The General's last words, "Dog's aren't dangerous" ring out through my head whenever I see an angered dog. While I'm not saying that this movie had a negative or traumatizing impact on my life, I will say that it did indeed have a powerful impact. I would indeed show this movie to my children, but I would also have a discussion with them about what it means. This is a movie about death and religion and survival and family and so much more... An excellent adaptation of a phenomenal novel. Buy both the book and the movie, and you won't be disappointed in either.
Rating: Summary: Fantastic Film Review: 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.
Rating: Summary: Just scratched the surface Review: Always wanting to see the movie, I postponed it until reading the book. I was absorbed into this Lapine world, so rich with detail I was slightly devestated when it was over and I had to put it away. Coming from this to the film was perhaps the wrong thing for me to do. In the novel, one is gently given the rabbits' language, religion, customs, ideas... I know it's hard to be so subtle in film and it is a gallant effort, however, it could never compare to the novel.
Rating: Summary: Astounding! Review: I read the book before I saw the movie, and it was fairly accurate, which is more than I can say about most movies based on books. I love this movie and reccomend it to anyone, all ages. Scratch that- it has a little violence, but nothing much, and it's just so well done! A few words in the movie are spoken in Rabbit, so if you want to know what they mean you have to buy the book- which you should do anyway!
Rating: Summary: Absolutely Wonderful! Review: I have been amazed with Richard Adams' work since I was a child. This movie vividly depicts the life of wild rabbits. It shows their struggles and stife with all their enemies. This is the most breath taking movie I have ever witnessed. If you liked, Watership Down (The novel) you will love this movie.
Rating: Summary: Great music! Review: In the musical score, you will hear the rarely-heard bass flute. Nice work with English horn and alto saxophone!
Rating: Summary: The best animated movie ever ... EVER Review: Like a Charlie Brown cartoon, the pleasures of this movie will benefit adults more than children. In fact, it doesn't seem that this film is for kids at all. I was ten when I first saw it and felt a little frightened and depressed when I left the theater. But now I appreciate Watership Down for the wonderful film it is. It is an autumnal movie, stark and sad, but somehow very affirming in the end ( in its, frankly, bleak way). This is animation expression at its best, and nothing has topped W Down since. It ain't singing animals, so be warned. But what these animals do is far more rewarding than a power ballad. SEE IT!
Rating: Summary: Still burning like fire Review: I was grasped by this story as a young child and have since then read the book, seen the video, written to the author and finally met the author. On my trip to England, I made it a point to visit Watership Down and Nuthanger Farm and all the other key locations in the book. It is so breathtakingly accurate and I even saw real rabbits hopping around. Luckily, I met someone on the down who was a personal friend of Adams and was kind enough to arrange a meeting! Mr. Adams and his wife are most delightful and were happy to answer many of my questions. My autographed book is one of my prized possessions. The story gave me an insight on naturals selection, death, and the struggle between good and evil. History buffs will love it for it's relation to communism and democracy. These are very valuable lessons to children and this story does it beautifully! In other words, that's how wonderful this movie and book are. While I agree it's not for everyone, especially small kids, it is definitely a wonderful book for people wanting an escape from all the fluff of Disney, and who want to be intellectually stimulated. I guarantee you will fall in love with the characters and relate to each one. The subtle references to God, as rabbits perceive him, are nice touches as well. Basically, anyone who loves nature and animals should see this. I'm a science teacher and I plan to show it to my students to illustrate ecology and survival of the fittest. Congratulations Richard-Ra! You will always be the master storyteller. Parents review it first before showing it to your little ones. I suggest watching it with them and discussing it with them. :) Enjoy!
|