RABBIT-PROOF FENCE (Theatrical Release Australia 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Stars ìììì

Rabbit-Proof Fence—loose rendition of a true Australian Aborigine story—is WOW entertainment. It has emotional appeal, one of the best of the 2002 films. This is Kenneth Branagh at his best along with outstanding performances by Evelyn Sampi, Tiana Sanbury, Laura Monaghan, and David Gulpilil.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two young Australian Jigalong aboriginal sisters Molly (Evelyn Sampi) and Daisy (Tianna Sansbury) and their cousin Gracie (Laura Monaghan) are forced to leave their mother and grandmother for British enculturation, a project headed by Educator A.O. Neville who believes half-breeds can be ‘saved’ by the third or fourth generation if properly schooled. The three girls are sent to a school in the southern part of Australia. They form a plan to escape and begin the 1,500 mile trek back to their Jigalong home.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director and Producer Phillip Noyce for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers David Elfick and Kathleen McLaughlin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Maud-Molly’s Mother (Nigali Lawford), Molly’s Grandmother (Myarn Lawford), Mavis (Deborah Mailman), Constable Riggs (Jason Clark), Nina Dormitory Boss (Natasha Wanganeen) Mr. Neal at Moore River (Garry McDonald), Police Inspector (Roy Billing), Miss Thomas (Lorna Lesley), Miss Jessop (Celine O’Leary), Matron at Moore River (Kate Roberts), Moodoo Daughter (Tracy Monaghan), and Olive/Escaped Girl (Tamara Flanagan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a well-told, inspiring film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers