Movie Review: Watership Down

First of all, while animated, I have to say this is not for kids. And by that I mean the in the same way that "Lord of the Flies" is not for kids. As in, while marketed as a children's book (or in this case movie) it deals with layered concepts and the only way to truly grasp the entire thing is to be an adult (or at least a bit intellectual since I shouldn't associate the ability to see concept with age). In short, while anyone can watch it, I believe true enjoyment of the film comes from understanding the entirety of the film (or book).

As with all my future reviews I will try to keep this relatively spoiler free except where necessary to discuss concept or theory. I will not even mention character names when at all possible.

As with most book or short story adaptation first and foremost I recommend at least a passing familiarity with the written word before viewing the film. In most cases I think even a quick reading of the wiki will do, but if you enjoy comparison, like I do, you must read the entire thing first. Always "Book before Film".

Anyhow, personification of animals seems to be a good working theme, especially to disguise the adult concepts of direction and life path, in an otherwise Teen-marketed story. While the naming of the rabbits may seem childish, you do have to stop and think that perhaps that is how their naming convention would be structured. The questioning of authority and the commonly accepted environment is a theme I've dealt with quite heavily in my own life recently and so that's the theme that spoke to me most from "Watership Down".

The version I watched was the 2002 Warner Home Video release that should be recent and widely available enough to be able to be checked out at your local library (or perhaps pirated).

While the animation begins with a seemingly child painting type style it began to speak more of a tribal art explaining the rabbit's version of creation. It defines why things are the way they are, where the animals came from, and clearly identifies a "god" figure. These things may not play an immediate role in the story telling but are referenced and so are in that category of "good to know" information.

The main part of the story can be divided into two parts: the quest for happiness and the quest for companionship. They occur in that order and I believe, very much so, that that is done intentionally. We must seek our own happiness before we can hope to constructively involve someone else in our lives, they are separate goals, and companionship should not be considered a part of happiness.

The deserters of the warren begin by questioning their surroundings, the authority placed above them, and the signs of their environment that they are seeing. While this is explained through a bit more than just common observation I think each individual deserter encompasses just an aspect of us. The one who saw the signs is our ability to see more than just the mundane around us, and like in our world, those capable of this sight are often seen as crazy or outcasts. I'm not talking about sixth sense or being a spiritual medium, I'm talking about the simple ability to "feel" that something is wrong with society.

Another rabbit is our strength to try to do something about it. Yet another is our ability to counter those who question us for our beliefs.

All in all the first half of the tale is centered around from the departure of common society to seek happiness and avoid obscurity brought on by the simple, yet common, being a part of the whole, that society would have us be. While I'm sure I comment on this concept more later, and to do it justice on it's own, I do challenge you to watch the film and see whether it says the same to you.

The second part of the film is searching for does (females) to perpetuate the species. As I commented earlier I believe this is properly, and intentionally, placed within the story. While we must concentrate, or at least part of the species do so, on reproduction, or face extinction, this does not need to be the goal of the whole. Certain individuals should be allowed, permitted, and supported in their desire to do more, unfortunately this is not the case with either the rabbits or our own society. Our entire reinforcement and reward structure revolves around fitting in, even those who have stood out have done more good for us as a species than those who have done otherwise.

Well I can tell if I keep analyzing this film I'm going to be getting further and further off topic, but I hoped I've said enough to at least wet your appetite for the film, or, better yet, the book.

Take care all and keep thinking.