Common Sense Media Review
Book-based animated tale has intense peril, violence.
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Why Age 11+?
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Watership Down (1978)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 37 parent reviews
Based on 90 kid reviews
Kids say this film is beautifully animated and tells a heartfelt story, but it contains graphic and disturbing violence that makes it unsuitable for young audiences. Many reviewers caution that despite its charming appearance and PG rating, it showcases scenes of death and aggression that could be traumatizing for children, suggesting it is better suited for older teens and adults.
- not for kids
- graphic violence
- emotional depth
- strong themes
- suitable for teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
This feature-length theatrical release based on Richard Adams's book Watership Down follows a group of rabbits, led by Hazel (voiced by John Hurt), Bigwig, and the hypersensitive Fiver. They leave their endangered warren (earmarked for real estate development) in search of a new home and female rabbits with whom to mate. Their journey is laced with numerous obstacles, including a dog, a cat, rats, men, cars, birds of prey, and other rabbits. In the final stage of their quest, they find a secure habitat but incur the wrath of a militaristic band of rabbits led by the dictatorial General Woundwort. A deadly battle ensues as our heroes attempt to secure their new home.
Is It Any Good?
A rare British-produced animated feature, WATERSHIP DOWN is an original drama with realistic animation, sharp characterizations, and brutal honesty about the territorial imperative. This is a stellar alternative to the glitzy musical numbers, cutesy characters, sentimental excesses, and merchandisable sidekicks of Disney movies.
For older kids and adult fans, the story offers plenty of drama, suspense, and action as the rabbits make their way through an idyllic landscape that turns out to be quite treacherous. It's all set against beautifully designed backgrounds and enacted by realistically drawn rabbits, all convincingly differentiated from each other. The superb voice acting is performed by a notable cast who treat their characters with as much gravity as they would Shakespearean roles. Complementing the drama is a music score that subtly and effectively accentuates the emotional twists and turns of the proceedings.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the deeper messages of the movie. How are these messages conveyed?
What are some other examples of movies and books in which animals represent aspects of humanity and human nature -- politics, society, beliefs?
Was some of the violence and imagery necessary to convey the movie's deeper messages, or was it too scary and overwhelming, ultimately distracting from what the movie was trying to express?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 1, 1978
- On DVD or streaming : March 26, 2002
- Cast : John Hurt , Richard Briers , Zero Mostel
- Director : Martin Rosen
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Run time : 72 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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