Watership Down

Watership Down is currently streaming in Australia on Amazon Prime Video, and in the US on HBO Max Amazon Channel and Criterion Channel, and it uses the format for more than just a visual hook. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. John Hurt's voice work is a big part of what makes it distinctive. Available now on Amazon Prime Video — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Watership Down arrived without much fanfare and built its audience the hard way — through word of mouth. Watership Down treats animation as a medium, not a limitation. When the warren belonging to a community of rabbits is threatened, a brave group led by Fiver, Bigwig, Blackberry and Hazel leave their homeland in a search of a safe new haven. John Hurt and Richard Briers lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1978. The animation style is distinctive enough to be immediately recognisable, but it is the writing underneath that keeps viewers coming back for more. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Animation fans will appreciate the craft, but Watership Down works for viewers who do not typically seek out animation too. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. The writing operates at a level the format's reputation does not fully prepare you for. Adult animation that actually works for adults.