This is a damn good attempt to make a feature film out of my favourite Richard Adams book.
The problem with the book is that some of the digressions into politics and journalism are just a bit too long and self-indulgent, which disrupts the flow of the story. I'd certainly have edited down Digby Driver's part to something still vital to the plot, but more concise and direct.
This animated adaptation cuts out the worst excesses of those digressions, but cuts too much else as well, in my opinion. The character-establishing story of Snitter's former master and his sister is virtually excised, for instance. The ending stops short of the original, leaving it ambiguous and darker. In addition, some of the animation makes the animals' movements look a little unnatural.
Like 'Watership Down', they have employed a starry British cast of voice actors, and this is a great strength of this film. Overall, recommended, but be aware that, while parts of the original story are best discarded for narrative flow, some lost elements should have been left in.
I don't imagine anyone will be attempting a new version of 'The Plague Dogs' any time soon, so this more-than-worthy effort is a good primer for anyone wanting to read the book itself. Plus, for those who are distressed by the final act, the book has a much happier ending.
The problem with the book is that some of the digressions into politics and journalism are just a bit too long and self-indulgent, which disrupts the flow of the story. I'd certainly have edited down Digby Driver's part to something still vital to the plot, but more concise and direct.
This animated adaptation cuts out the worst excesses of those digressions, but cuts too much else as well, in my opinion. The character-establishing story of Snitter's former master and his sister is virtually excised, for instance. The ending stops short of the original, leaving it ambiguous and darker. In addition, some of the animation makes the animals' movements look a little unnatural.
Like 'Watership Down', they have employed a starry British cast of voice actors, and this is a great strength of this film. Overall, recommended, but be aware that, while parts of the original story are best discarded for narrative flow, some lost elements should have been left in.
I don't imagine anyone will be attempting a new version of 'The Plague Dogs' any time soon, so this more-than-worthy effort is a good primer for anyone wanting to read the book itself. Plus, for those who are distressed by the final act, the book has a much happier ending.