Altaira - Watership Down review (spoilers)

I finally bit the bullet and watched this film, as it was on telly the night before last.  I have to say, I didn't find it as traumatic as I had always been led to believe it was - but then, I am 26 and this is a children's film.

The blood in various places was upsetting, but I dislike blood/gore of any kind in films to be honest.

Richard Briers (met him!) and John Hurt were very good, they each have lovely voices and played their parts well.  I had trouble understanding what Kehaar (the bird) was saying a lot of the time, and Jason and I are pretty convinced he told the rabbits to "Piss off!" at their first meeting.  Anyone know?

"Bright Eyes" (song) was very beautiful, and I liked the strong character of Hyzenthlay.

I thought Hazel's death, while upsetting in the way that any death is, was more uplifting than anything else.  Not only had he lived to see the new warren grow and prosper, but he came to understand that the Black Rabbit (death) was not something to fear but something to be embraced at the right time.  Not only that, but death was not the end for him - his spirit was free of earthly pain and able to play in perfection forever.

The film was good, but not so good that I would buy it or necessarily see it again.  However, I may keep an eye out for the book.

I cried a lot more at The Velveteen Rabbit - that is a book I would heartily recommend.

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