|
The 1978 movie adaptation is superb and deeply memorable. Voices actors include the great John Hurt and Richard Briers. Here's a taste: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGyQmH9NZcw There's at least one thing about the film, though, that I find mysterious. It was given a 'U' rating in the UK (which means universal, i.e. suitable for all ages). Yet many people find it scarily unwatchable -- why? SPOILERS. True, there's blood, which is unusual for a children's animation. The enemy warren, savagely run by General Woundwort, is terrifying. But I think the real objection seems to be the perception that vulnerable little rabbits are being picked off one by one as our group journeys across the countryside. Yet, if you look closely, you notice that only one member of the group, a minor character, is actually killed (Violet; by a bird of prey). Bigwig escapes from the snare, Hazel recovers from being shot, and so on. UPDATE. I think I've figured it out. Because of the beautiful song 'Bright Eyes' (sung by Art Garfunkel), we have mourned Hazel even though he was only wounded. So it feels as if he has died, even though he hasn't. |
What really hit me was the haunting, archetypal imagery surrounding the rabbit mythology and the Black Rabbit of Inle. When you are a kid just figuring out that you and your loved ones will die and you see that kind thing it has an impact.
Honestly, the emotional music and expressionist death imagery combine to create almost an initiation-like experience for the unsuspecting kids who sit down to watch a cartoon about bunnies!