"Bright Eyes" - Watership Down

This is the first AMV I ever created. The beautiful song is perfomed by Art Garfunkel and written by Mike Batt. The video is from the movie Watership Down.
I don't claim any rights to the song or the animation; they do not belong to me, this is purely a work of fan art and I'm not making any profit from it.

[@Thatgloverbird]

Saw this film when 8 or so and I have to say it was the most terrifying and yet most beautiful film I'd ever watched. I think kids are so shielded, blinkered and not aware of life these days. I feel this film is magical, spiritual and superior to what kids watch now. If I had a child I'd let them watch this, with supervision of course! The fact it got rated a U has never ceased to amaze me! It is one of the most brutual, honest and wonderful films ever made. xx

[@moppettshow]

And this is one of those rare occasions where the film does justice to the book. Absolute quality.

[@Astralwolf23]

This was on today and i watched it with my dad like i always do, its one of his faves, my mum refuses to because she always cries, brilliant film and song.

[@15aramis15]

Art Garfunkel, one of the finest voices ever!

[@bweasel95]

I would like to dedicate this video to my Mother's memory. Joan M. Wagner December 10,1948-January 8,2011. She loved this song, movie & original book!

[@ThePaganElf]

I read this book when I was a early teen and loved it. I cried buckets for the Rabbits, and for mans inhumanity. This song still brings me to tears all these years later. A beautiful song and a beautiful book and then movie

[@pikeflyfisherman]

Still gives me chills, first time hearing this song since I left home. Brings back a lot of memories !

[@ramjet3]

Love knows no bounds......simply beautiful Menno, thanks for the great feelings!! There really are no endings, just treasures. Some may say it's sad, I prefer to believe it's an affirmation of LOVE and life. Those bright eyes can never be dimmed from our hearts and memories, can they????

[@Hoflaaand]

Love this movie so much!! Brings up the memories from my childhood, all the places I've been and the beautiful moments with friends and family! When I was young I dropped the video and it was broken. A few years ago I saw the DVD in a store. Now I have this movie forever with me, so I can show it to my kids! The best!

[@SMX815]

If you do not cry at the end of this film you simply have no emotions as it pulls on your strings beyond words! Beautiful film!

[@Bowserian]

This song played on my grandfather's funeral. It will always stay inside my memories along with the memories of him hesitating to take a piece of candy or refusing to eat anything except Schnitzel when we went out for dinner :). Rest in peace, grandpa :). May you be happy, wherever your road takes you, and may you have many good friends to spend your time with.

[@maldonboy1]

Used to play Art Garfunkel's Greatest Hits on tape in my Grandad's car, I probably heard more Garfunkel than Simon years ago! I'm 47 years old now and remember my time also at nursery school as it was named Watership Downs, in Maldon Essex. Music evokes so many memories in all sorts of ways. Great song and such a shame Art and Paul no longer get along? Mike Batt did write a few other great songs but Garfunkel's vocal on this could never be bettered?

[@MrLukalele]

Watership Down is one of those experiences in life that means something different for everyone, but all of you listening to this have come to the same conclusion, which is why you're here - that it's touched you deeply in some way. Whatever the story and this amazing song mean to you, may they always help you through the tough times.

[@MarcGopin]

I lost my father in 99, and it has been such a long grieving, but healthy. This song lets me grieve deeply and purely for him, and with Garfunkel's sweet majestic voice, and the song written for a dying father...thank you for this video. perfect

[@cassie2sassy72]

saw the movie at the age of 9, and instantly fell in love w/the song. Cry every time I hear it. Thank you Art, thank you so very much

[@shimmeringreflection]

Watching part of this film when I was a child is one of the few memories I have of my childhood. Films like this are so important, especially for young kids. It teaches them, as it taught me, about how precious life is.

[@MelanieHel]

One of my favorite movies as a child.Forget about this!I must simply get this on dvd.My favorite book of all time,one of the best songs ever writen.I remember the impact it gave me seeing this movie.

[@redbabylon]

Takes me wayyyy back to reading Watership Down in primary school. A Mister Morrisey was the teacher, 1980. I fell in love with the book, and the film. Beautiful song.

[@WinterJefferson]

We just had to put our beautiful bunny to sleep after spinal injuries. I came here to listen to this song and grieve for her... thanks for helping me work through the pain.

[@LessaIsLief]

This song, with the images always get me emotional. Recently read the book again. Amazing how true the story is!

[@Bethelhorses]

This song is so moving, such beautiful lyris. So sad when Hazel dies, even though he's old and going to a better place, makes me feel sad and teary eyed. Art Garfunkel has the perfect voice for this song. Never heard is sung better.

[@jbsoaps]

Have just found the ideal song for my mother's funeral.....Means so much, Watership Down was one of the first VHS videos she brought for us and is still a family favourite..Thank you

[@ProjectsOfPugh]

This was number 1 in the UK charts 34 years ago today. It's such a beautiful song. I only learned today that it was written by Mike Batt about his dying father, so now I am listening to the song in a totally different way.

[@JWPMinnesota]

The first time I heard Art sing this I almost fell over. Having listened to Simon and Garfunkel for so long, this was like the purest of pure. I was always a sucker for softer emotional stuff like this. There's a sad and hopeful, strong/weak quality to this song. It just is beautiful.

[@videogameobsession]

Classic film! This song will always have a place in my memory from watching it many years ago. If you don't feel moved in some way while hearing/watching this you should check for a pulse immediately!

[@princessthyemis]

This was a very peaceful and beautiful song. Haven't heard it in 5 years. Remember loving the movie, and the book was pretty good too!

[@debzc01]

Lovely video. When my horse died, many years ago, this record was playing when we got back into the car on that awful day. Sadly have lost other animal friends since, and this song really brings back the harsh realities inevitable with life. A great film, with a great message to cherish all life.

[@Frankcis1980]

The first thing I ever cried at when I was about 4. Beautiful song, beautful film, nuff said.

[@Oddball_E8]

I grew up on alot of movies like this, and my parents always watched them with me and answered any questions i had as honestly as they could. I believe that this has allowed me to grow up much more balanced than alot of my friends who have ended up doing alot of stupid things and even as adults have problems acting like adults sometimes. Sheltering children too much is not a good thing, but neither is exposing them to serious topics like this movie without supervision.

[@laartje24]

I was completely addicted to that series as a child. Every day it was on tv I watched it. I still somwhere have the whole film.

[@JimmyCaravan]

Four years ago today my Mum passed away. I'm trying to get all my sad out. I'm so grateful for songs like this, they really do help. My playlist so far: Full of Grace by Sarah McLachlan, Wild Horses by the Rolling Stones, Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain by Willie Nelson and Always on my Mind by Elvis Presley. I miss you so much, Mum

[@mucklebones1973]

I loved this film as a child and even listening to this makes sad even now. The book is from the very start to the last page a magical experience. Would recommend it to anyone who has seen and loved the animation.

[@kengreen7646]

Forty years since I read this and 35 since the movie. Wow! My watership down is covered with houses, businesses and a mega church now. Thanks for downloading this.

[@Bevvii]

Mum took me to seet this at the cinema and I cried none stop! What a beautiful film x

[@simonluckin8]

What a beautiful message to have written. It reduced me to tears. You're a lovely human being............

[@AntaresBottia]

I was born a gypsy, before the red tape. Reminds me of better days (freedom/hills/Fields/Magic) Thank you.

[@frickingscared7901]

I'm getting chills watching this and tears in my eyes. This is my childhood :)

[@anessenator]

Im not crying...... :'( My memory of this film is; me and my mother recorded it off of TV while we went on a walk through the fields near where we lived... I was only 5 or 6 at the time. We watched this when we got back in. It all stuck with me ever since... the old house we lived in, the autumn trees and hedges and fields... I can't explain it but it carries a certain feeling with it.

[@seheart]

I had this song on repeat when I was awaiting my test results for cancer. The only things to comfort were my beloved cats who licked the tears away. I will never forget those days and their love. Means so much to me.

[@xoio]

I was only 8 years old when I first saw the film & heard this song. Due to it also being my formative years, this film profoundly etched itself into me with its haunting imagery and meaning.

[@Curlyman83]

I'm not ashamed to say that this song makes me feel like crying every time I hear it (and I'm a 28 year-old man). It's just a beautiful song. The closest to perfection you can get.

[@grandmasaw]

Thank you taqu for taking the time to upload this. I appreciate you. Sometimes life is sad, and you just need a good cry before you can move forward. This song allows me to do just that. Thank you again.

[@penelopepitstopd1]

Thank you for this video. Having read the book and seen the movie countless times, I still get teary eyed at this part. It's sad, but its good. Thats the way life is. You can't appreciate the good without the sad, or the bad.

[@Villaking1337]

This movie was such a great piece of work.

[@DjuraVH]

it doesn't matter how many times i see the movie or hear this song i always cry. reminds me of my rabbits and dog. i loved this movie when i was a kid i still have it on VHS and i bought a few years ago on dvd, still loving it. i'm really glad that i have it on dvd and when i have kids i will pass it on.

[@MercurialRed9]

Hugs. Lost my mum not too long ago too. This beautiful song gets me everytime. Everytime. Chin up, they're watching over us.

[@LordDanofLondon]

Wow its been years since I have seen Watership down and I have to say there are not many cartoons out there that I can honestly say touch the Soul. But this certainly does, so beautiful, so sad. And the music is so enchanting and brings a lump to the throat. As a kid I had 2 rabbits called Hazel and Fiver. Really really lovely I would urge anyone who has not seen Watership down to watch it

[@JaysonsMom]

I watched this when I was 7 and remember crying my heart out over this part. BEAUTIFUL song....

[@picat6741]

great song, great film, great book, great author, great audience

[@alsie1]

Yes, I just missed it on tv yesterday, but I have it on VHS tape. Need to get it on DVD!! Love this song, never fails to bring a tear to my eye!

[@morrissey183]

Watership Down; I remember I was eating hoola-hoops off my fingers watching the credits roll with an inkling all of a sudden that Sooty, Sweep and Andy Peters had all lied to me, and perhaps not everything was always going to be ok. Thank you for such a valuable lesson. WD forever!

[@poppinmunchkin]

So many memories. Song gets to me every single time.

[@linzimaccardross3986]

Awwww I love this song:-) it always brings a wee tear. Went to see Art at the Glasgow Concert hall with my mum and was crying my eyes out when he sang this x

[@i.m.strandedinsonoma7170]

What a novel idea! I saw this movie when it was released to the theaters in 1978. I remembered Bright Eyes and then bought the song when it was available for download. I have to go get the DVD (Blu-ray would be preferred) and watch it again. I think I need to go find a copy of the book, too.

[@Daaanieeel123]

Outstanding song by and outstanding musician from an outstanding film based on an extremely outstanding novel.

[@WweRKOcoiledvoices]

Absolute GOOSEBUMPS & Brilliant Movie

[@dave474c]

If there is one song that takes me straight back to my childhood, this is it.

[@yipyipitsme123]

No words I can ever write will take away any of the pain you are feeling, but I am truly sorry for your loss, I could not imagine such a tragedy occurring to anyone. I hope that you all get through this terrible loss.

[@KylaPlanet]

Childhood nostalgia brought me here. This film is my first memory of empathy and grief, at maybe age 7.

[@InfinityHeartz]

This movie was beautiful, and so is this song

[@Toywithme200]

one of the most beautiful songs ever!

[@MrSinister1979]

I am 31 years old and male, and I am still sobbing like a child here. This song always, always, always brings me to floods of tears.

[@KipsKabin]

Thank you. He died in 2002 but he is with us every day x

[@bweasel95]

I love that movie! We even named one of our bunnies Pipkin. I've been searching for this song most of my life! Thank you from my heart for posting this!

[@kevinlake4904]

so sorry for your loss hope this song gives you much comfort in the years to come im sure he knew just how much you all loved him

[@hgaskins]

Agreed, the movie was a wonderful compliment to the book. The book however reveals some things that the movie just didn't have time to explain. I also love the soundtrack and the song "Bright Eyes" performed by Garfunkel.

[@brightlightburning]

Watership down gave me so many nightmares as a child, but I never regret a thing. It's incredible. /sobs/

[@Golfshooter]

goosebumps, lump in my throat, eyes tearing up...WHYYYYYY!!!! two songs have this effect on me: this one and "the deerhunter" theme song!

[@channly]

this brings back so many long forgotten memories!

[@effigymotion]

I cried the first time I watched this. I was 8. I'm 35 now, yet feel like blubbing now just from this short video. This film and song will never be improved upon. Wonderful. Magical. And heavy with meaning and memories. Thanks for uploading it.

[@cinna71]

wow i luv this song and movie saw it years ago my teacher recommended this, stil brings back powerful memories, watching this with my family at the then drive in theater GREAT.

[@BillyButcher91]

you just brought some painful memories back, it's so painful how they leave our lives. Stay strong, i hope everything turns out ok for you.

[@MylesThomp]

Thanks for uploading this. WD hit me hard when I first saw it, aged 8. Seeing these clips brought back a lot of memories.

[@tudor327]

this song made me cry the first second and third time i heard it especially in the film and now i'm an adult it makes me do it again but for completely new reasons. beautiful song and movie love it

[@TheLegendWillLast]

Art has the voice of an angel.

[@FizzyPancake]

Ugh I haven't watched this movie in years but this still makes me cry so much

[@chongwanna]

this is life in animation in a way, its strange, in a way i like to dwell on things that upset me and remind me of sad stuff,great tune

[@mosesMaimon1]

on a purely emotional level, nothing makes the case better for the cause of sweet, adorable rabbits than does this video clip. thank you on behalf of the bunnies for posting this

[@nitemoovs]

I was in my teens when the movie came out and so I was too old and too young to grasp its meaning. I remember the song. Its haunting and as a much older adult who has seen loved ones pass on.....its beautiful.

[@georgepig101]

I'm a bloke, and I totally get where you're coming from. This song can touch a soul!

[@Shavenhamster]

this song just awakens a sad wonder of reality and an appreciation for all those close to me.

[@VivalaVengence]

I haven't heard this song since I was little. Oh how I loved Watership Down!

[@igable82]

I recently saw the movie after reading the book. I've really started liking this song. Thank you for this AMV you made. I love the book and really do like the movie a lot.

[@Gerardfan101able]

So beautiful! This man was a master of word art!

[@PaulSaysShezam]

Art's voice is so hauntingly beautiful in this.

[@TheForestflame]

This is my Funeral Tune ! loved this since i was a kid ,my fave animated film :D

[@ParallaxQueen]

i love watership down, was such a good film. ♥

[@jacs36]

OH MY GOD! I forgot how blimmin sad this one is!! I can't stop crying!! aaargh

[@xawia94]

Thats not fair.. How could someone not cry there....:'( wonderful film !

[@manaphy21]

I can never hear this song without crying.. I grew up with Watership Down and whenever someone asks me what's my favorite movie, I always respond it's Watership Down

[@tkkennels]

my 10 week old baby girl fell asleep to this lastnight and so did i just a nice calming piece love it

[@noodlepie93]

the film is one of the most disturbing i've seen.. i can't explain why it just it, and it has a very deep message behind it. God, i love it :)

[@panzr]

Oh wow, I remember watching this as a child of 4 or 5 years old, I would always cry but, I was always compelled to watch it regardless. I remember asking my mother what happened to the bunny rabbits, when she told me they died it filled me with such sadness that it has stayed in my memory for over thirty years!

[@dazzvr]

When I was 3 months old I had whooping cough and my mother would play this track to help me to settle down after a coughing fit. I'm now 35 and I still cry every time I hear this track, it's amazing how music can strike an emotional response from a faint memory so long ago.

[@jayne3969]

this was the song my children picked for their sisters funeral 14 yrs ago. RIP Sweetheart you were & always will be our bright eyes love you always xxxx

[@ausgirl96]

Im not evern a teen yet, but I have just finished reading the book, and seeing the last part of the clip made me cry all over again. I'm having a fun time trying to convince my 13 year-old friend that watership down isn't just a stupid kid's book about "bunnies". It has hidden meaning in the story that is even more than just powerful. One of the best books you could ever find.

[@mephisto40]

This movie is freaking amazing!

[@RegalSoul]

I remember first watching this film when I was so little, I had nightmares. But I loved it, it's just so amazing. I found myself always watching that film, just closing my eyes a little when the dog came in.. And plugging my ears when the warren was destroyed as described by Holly.. But it always made me cry, and this film will forever be a childhood favourite, as well as the book! (Cannot forget the book)

[@GREATWHITE22100]

i used to cry when i watched it when i was a kid it still gets me filling up lol , ive just bought the dvd from hmv for my 5 year old ,kev manchester great song

[@rollieox]

At the age of four it gave me the truth about the harsh world that I would come to inhibit as an adult. It planted the seeds of hope and love and courage and reality. I used to ball my eyes out when I used to hear that song. The emotions that this song stirs up I still feel. Is it a dream...

[@TheAlsatianLover]

For me, this is one of those songs that tugs at the heartstrings..