45 Years of Watership Down: Celebrating Artistic Majesty and Controversies

Water’Ship-Shape’! Celebrating 45 years of Watership Down’s Artistic Majesty and Controversies

– October 19, 1978 marked a significant day for British animation with the world premiere of Richard Adams’ Watership Down at Empire Cinema, Leicester Square in London.
– The movie was a stark departure from the typical Disney animation of that era, like Pete’s Dragon and The Rescuers.
– Watership Down’s adaptation built its artistic acclaim while also attracting a fair share of controversies.
– Skwigly Animation Magazine recently released an article discussing the accolades and criticisms of Watership Down in detail.

A Rabbit-hole of Accolades and Criticisms

The Floral-scented Take

So buckle your seatbelts, folks, because we are hopping back to a rabbit hole of artistry and drama. Indeed, the world of animation is like a warren – full of twists, turns, and of course, adorable furry creatures who sometimes have controversies surrounding them. Whether you’re a bunny bumps aficionado or a casual carrot consumer, there is no escaping the impact Watership Down has had on the animation landscape.

While the film may have ruffled more fur with its unconventional approach than a cat at a rabbit convention, it cannot be denied that its contribution to the animation industry has been invaluable. Even with all its ‘hare-raising’ drama. So here’s to another 45 years of not only Watership Down but all the renegades who challenge perspectives, push boundaries, and pluck the daring-ness right from the middle of the carrot patch. It might lead to some ‘hoppy’ endings or even the creation of a new animation ‘warren’ty!

The End

A historic day for British animation, October 19th, 1978, saw the premiere of a film adaptation of Richard Adams’s acclaimed debut novel, Watership Down. This plot about courageous rabbits searching for a new home after human disruption took audiences by surprise, considering the whimsical and family-friendly likes of Disney’s Pete’s Dragon and The Rescuers or the experimental The Lord of the Rings.

With time, the dark yet captivating narrative of this fur-filled venture rose in popularity, often dubbed one of the top animated films ever made. While succeeding television adaptations received mixed reactions, none matched the original’s shocking depiction of life and death through cute yet resilient bunnies.

The 45-year-old film’s journey, its association with controversial themes, the talented creators who brought it to life, and its impact on global animation over the years, are worth exploring.

1978 Watership Down Still shot (Credit: Nepenthe Productions)

Richard Adams’s masterpiece, Watership Down, first published in November 1972, amassed various notable accolades, capturing the hearts of critics and readers alike. This led film producer Martin Rosen, known for A Great Big Thing and Women in Love, to develop it into an animated classic.

With the adaptation rights in hand and a new animation studio, Nepenthe Productions, Rosen employed a diverse and talented team, including seasoned animators like Arthur Humberstone and Phil Duncan.

1978 Watership Down Still shot (Credit: Nepenthe Productions)

Originally, the film was to be directed by John Hubley, responsible for the modern design and hand-drawn animation of characters like Mr. Magoo. Hubley, who began working on the film but was later let go, unfortunately passed away during heart surgery, leaving Watership Down as his final project.

Despite the hurdles, including stepping into the director’s role, raising investment, and paying for publicity, Rosen managed to premiere the film on time at the Empire Cinema in London.

The unique blend of realistic animal depiction and mature storytelling appealed to many critics, although it did face criticism compared to Disney’s works. Further controversy surrounded the film’s violent content, which led to a change in its certification from U to PG in 2023.

Nevertheless, thanks to its unique storytelling and fresh perspective, the film managed to carve a unique niche for itself, cultivating a loyal fan base over the decades.

1978 Watership Down Still shot (Credit: Nepenthe Productions)

The film served as a significant milestone for all those involved. However, Rosen faced some serious allegations in 2020 regarding the film’s rights, which may have marked the end of his career.

Despite his controversies, the dedicated, artistic crew behind Watership Down deserves commendation. They have carved out a memorable piece of animation history, with prominent animators such as Arthur Humberstone and Luciana Arrighi reaping praise for their work in the 1980s and beyond.

1978 Watership Down Still shot (Credit: Nepenthe Productions)

John Hubley and Phil Duncan, despite their short association with the film, left an indelible mark on global animation, with Hubley’s legacy still celebrated today.

Its long-standing popularity and timeless appeal make Watership Down, one of the foremost animated movies, worth revisiting. Despite its controversies, the film embodies a significant part of animation history, destined for continuous admiration in the years to come.


Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/sapphire-in-bright-eyes-45-years-of-watership-downs-artistic-acclaim-and-controversies/