Read the terrific novel first, if you must see this. Maybe one day they'll make a decent version, but it's not nessary.

Darwinian animated tale. The problem of reconciliating animation, dramatic forms, and realistic drawing of rabbit protagonists is not really solved.

I'm conflicted with this movie because somehow I expected more from what I've heard over the years. I must admit that I don't know the novel. But, when I watched the additional material I understood what the problem of the movie is: It was directed by somebody who never before had directed an animated movie and that explained why I felt uneasy about the adaptation. It's uneven but on the other hand good in terms of being an independent production. Make up your own mind.

A good adaptation of the book; unsentimental and not at all cutesy, lumbered by dull animation, poor design and an obviously low budget.

Amongst its gorgeous backdrops that depict an almost fantastically bucolic setting, there are dark things and evil things hidden within Watership Down. Stunningly well-written, Watership Down almost suffocates with its non-stop tension and threatening world. This is one of the few films that surely and adequately depicts the persecution all little critters must face in their lives, and because of that it is both bleak and starkly beautiful. Recommended watching for anyone, child or adult.

I don't think many people realize what this book/movie is actually about. It's about Jews and Nazi's and the holocaust. It is an interesting way to introduce to kids to the idea of the holocaust. If you like this movie check out the book "Terrible Things." Which is a great book for small children. No other review mentions what this story is actually about. Maybe you people should watch it again.

Meh.

Damn, this is one tragic kid's film...

Like Disney, it has a sense of hot-blooded melodrama, although the timing of its hare's-breadth escapes and rescues is occasionally too hurried, due to some labor-saving and penny-saving shortcuts in the arduous animation process. This superior kiddie movie is probably the most metaphysically sophisticated animal story yet to reach the screen, but none among its quick and cunning animated rabbits is fit to challenge Bugs as the screen's premier bunny.

From the memories people have of this film from their childhood, I was expecting to see bunnies run through a meat grinder, the remains lit on fire and the ashes pissed on. Needless to say, it's a lot less violent than that, though there's a bit of bunny gore. But it's a surprisingly good film, one of the best animated films I've seen that takes itself so seriously. The fable-like quality of the tale helps suspend disbelief so that you can take it at face value.

Not as horrific or violent as many persons childhood memories will recall. That said there flash of gore and violence there is, is well presented, in what is a good adaptation and a high quality animation for its age and budget.

A good effort, but inferior to both the novel and the spiritual successor movie by the same studio, Plague Dogs. The plot is unfocused in the first half. The biggest problem is the character; they are drawn so close, sound so alike and are so numerous that they become almost impossible to distinguish, and therefore impossible to care about. However, I think the villian is quite intimidating, and gets a good amount of screen time. Picks up in the second half, but dosent make up for slow start.

This movie makes me want to do drugs.

rated from memory

Terrible movie, Incredibly awesome book...'tis sad how they ruin books reputations like that.

HAZEL RAAAH put this on if you want to traumatize the fuck out of some children.

Gorgeous.

The animation is only so-so, but the story is deep and dark. Not for kids, especially not for kids who like rabbits. But a classic tale.

Watership Down is an enigma. It's often labeled as a kids' movie, and is based on kids' books, but the material is anything but. It's oddly dark, violent, and emotional, but people see that it's a movie about cartoon bunnies on an adventure, so it must belong in the kids' section. I'm a big fan of animation in general myself, and this is a must-see for any like-minded person.

One of the greatest animations of all time, it stands up with the likes of Studio Ghibli and Disney's best works. However, it is also similar to other animations such as Ghibli's Princess Mononoke, in that it is not necessarily a kids film as the main themes will likely be missed and the level of blood is perhaps a little too much children.

Bunnies!!!! Oh....oh God... OH GOD NO!!!!

I have such vivid memories of seeing this as a little kid. the animation was beautiful and frightening all at once. Should be rereleased.

Actually damn good..! Saw it when I was a child, can't believe it's rated "U" (Universal)....