Remember "Watership Down"?

[Caleuche]

I have a vague memory of the film being used to explain to me death and the afterlife at some primary school age.

I can't remember much of it now. The French seagull, one of the rabbits (Hazel) seeing into the future and a grumpy rabbit with eyepatch and of course the ending where the main rabbit dies. I have no intention of ever watching it again.

Should it be a 'U' certficate? Absolutely, its one of the few kids movies out there that has a deeper meaning and purpose, and I think saying it should be a higher certificate just shows how much Disneys shallow, tacky, meaningless drivel has come to dominate the marketplace.

 

[melancholymecha]

I saw it when i was a kid & it scared the hell out of me. I dont remember much, bits and pieces, but one scene of this big black dog thrashing the rabbits around. And another scene was this rabbit dies(I think) and he flies away with this freaky ghost rabbit...

 

[Lindley]

My father read the book to me as a kid. I should revisit it.

 

[Australis]

Never seen the movie, quite liked the book. So far no one's mentioned 'Shardik', odd on a SF-relaed website. Been a long time since I read it though.

 

[Greylock Crescent]

^ One scary bunny when I was a kid!

Absolutely fantastic movie and book.

The book does have a *lot* of descriptive detail to it, similar, in fact, to Tolkien's level of detail. That's probably the biggest barrier to readers really getting into the story.

The movie does indeed take an honest and graphic approach to the violence and dangers the rabbits face, so anyone wondering whether or not to show it to their child should preview it first. But I, for one, am glad that the film is as honest as it is. It makes the story that much more compelling.

If you'd like to see an image gallery of the film, just click here and scroll down.

 

[softfocus]

One of my favorite movies as a kid--the opening animation of the bunny creation myth is still vivid in my mind, even though I haven't seen the movie in years.

The book is beautifully written and one I've read dozens of times. I love the level of descriptive detail and immersion in the rabbit's world. Everytime I read it, I notice new things or have new insights into the story.

In fact, this thread is making me want to go find my well-worn copy of the book and give it another read...it's been awhile.

 

[TedShatner10]

Should it be a 'U' certficate? Absolutely, its one of the few kids movies out there that has a deeper meaning and purpose,

I really think a PG ratings is more suitable. Most children can still see it, but is a warning flag for moron parents who still think animation for under twelves.

and I think saying it should be a higher certificate just shows how much Disneys shallow, tacky, meaningless drivel has come to dominate the marketplace.

Well the Disney animators and writers do slip refreshingly nasty stuff past the censors from time to time, with "Hellfire" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame.