Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002)

Rabbit-Proof Fence

This is a great movie. It's sad though to see yet another example of man's inhumanity to man. I would highly recommend this film. January 6, 2009

A Powerful Story of the Price to be Free

Based on a true story, the film chronicles one account from Australia's ''Stolen Generation'' and the powerful yearning for freedom and family

During a period of around 100 years, Aboriginal children were removed from their homes and placed in government institutions that had been established to train them to be domestic workers. The movie is set in the early-1930s and centers on Molly Craig (played by Everlyn Sampi), age 14, who had been taken - with a younger sister and cousin - 1,500 miles from their home in Jigalong to the Moore River Native Settlement, north of Perth. Craig led the girls in an escape and they walked back home - while being pursued by Aboriginal trackers - by following a rabbit-proof fence.

This is an incredibly moving story. January 5, 2009

a heart-wrenching story that deserves to be told

Rabbit Proof Fence tells the gripping and extremely painful story of three young "half-caste" girls who were forcibly taken from their mother in Australia in 1931. These girls joined other children of mixed race in a "settlement" camp where they were taught values and customs against their will with the goal of making them maids and servants for the white people living in Australia. It was also hoped that without any "inbreeding" between white people and the aboriginal people, the aborigines would be eventually snuffed out after two generations. This story is clearly not a Disney movie; it's extremely painful but because this is based on real events the story deserves to be told very loudly and clearly so the world knows the injustices done against aboriginal people.

When the film starts, we see sisters Molly and Daisy (Everlyn Sampi and Tianna Sansbury, respectively), torn away from their mother along with their cousin Gracie (Laura Monaghan). The three children are moved to the Moore River "native settlement" camp where they must only speak English; and they must adhere only to Christian values while eschewing the values, customs and religious beliefs of their people. The girls are terrified; but when Molly, the eldest of the three, decides they need to walk back the 1,200 miles to their mother's village in Jigalong, Australia, the two younger children also choose to run away with her.

As many reviewers note, this film keeps you on the edge of your seat every step of the way. Not only is the plot as realistic as possible, the acting of the three children and the cinematography is excellent. Look also for great performances by Kenneth Branagh as A.O. Neville, the "protector" of the aboriginal people and Ningali Lawford as Maud, the mother of Molly and Daisy and caretaker of Gracie.

The symbolism of the "rabbit proof fence" is quite clear. It's not just a way to keep rabbits escaping into the native areas; the fence represents the white people's attempts to separate themselves from another race who they perceive to be inferior. The fence is also a way to keep the aboriginal people out of the white man's land. I am appalled that Australia continued to forcibly remove "half-caste" mixed race children from their parents until sometime in 1970.

Watch this film and see how the three girls make their escape from Moore River camp and make the journey back to Jigalong. Will all three girls make it? Will they evade the hunt for them by A.O. Neville and his local assistant Moodoo (David Gulpilil)? No plot spoilers--watch the movie and find out!

Rabbit Proof Fence is an outstanding movie that won many awards; and it received critical praise. I highly recommend this film so that people can know this true, heartbreaking story of how small minded prejudiced people can be so cruel to other human beings.
January 4, 2009

Remarkable achievement; Riveting true story

Director Philip Noyce has a solid reputation for his first-class film achievements, and adds another big feather in his cap with "Rabbit-Proof Fence". Many films have been made about intrusions from outsiders to change a native culture, whether our own Native Americans, Hawaiians, Amazonians, tribal Africans, etc. It's Australia's turn, and the horrible subject is handled with sensitivity and care. Plucked from their homes and families, 3 young girls are determined to find their way home. It's all the more remarkable that this is a true story, set in 1931. Production values are top-notch, from music (Peter Gabriel), photography (Christopher Doyle), Noyce's profound vision, and everyone else involved. The 3 incredible young stars (Everlyn Sampi, Laura Monaghan, Tianna Sansbury), all native Aborigines and all non-professionals, are totally natural in their handling of the material. Veterans Kenneth Branagh & David Gulpilil are on hand to provide necessary angst. The DVD has an excellent documentary, Following the Rabbit-Proof Fence, about the making of the film. Also a fine commentary track. Highly recommended; a fine history lesson and an achievement that belies it's Indie status. November 15, 2008

dvd

I have always loved this movie. The courage and determenation of those 2 girls traveling all that way to get home to their family was amazing. It's one to watch 1000 times and not get tired of. November 1, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...