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In 1978 Richard Adams' best-selling fantasy about a family of rabbits seeking a safe place to live was turned into one of the best animated feature films ever made. What's the title?

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WATERSHIP DOWN - entertainment illustration
WATERSHIP DOWN — entertainment

The 1978 animated film is an adaptation of Richard Adams' celebrated 1972 novel of the same name. The title refers to the final destination for the group of rabbits, led by the brave Hazel and guided by his clairvoyant brother Fiver. Watership Down is a real chalk hill in Hampshire, England, which Adams chose as the location for the rabbits' idyllic, peaceful warren they hope to establish, a sanctuary free from the tyranny and destruction of their old home.

Despite its cast of animal characters, the film is famous for its mature and often harrowing tone, which shocked many unsuspecting parents and younger viewers at the time. The story unflinchingly depicts the brutality of nature and the existential threats the rabbits face, including predators, traps, and rival warrens. The film's emotional weight is famously captured in the poignant song "Bright Eyes," written for the soundtrack and performed by Art Garfunkel.

For its thematic depth, beautiful painterly animation, and refusal to shy away from difficult subjects, the film has become a beloved and respected classic. It stands as a powerful example of animation's ability to tell complex, dramatic stories for an adult audience, leaving a lasting impression on all who see it.