Rabbit-Proof Fence
Directed by Phillip Noyce.
Starring Everlyn Sampi, Tianna Sansbury, Laura Monaghan, David Gulpilil and
Kenneth Branagh.
This beautifully realised film by Phillip Noyce (Patriot Games, Dead Calm, The Bone Collector) is based on a true story about the remarkable courage and strength of three indigenous girls who are taken from their families in 1931. Molly (Sampi), Gracie (Monaghan) and Daisy (Sansbury) escape from a government institution and start walking along the rabbit-proof fence they know will lead them home.
Rabbit-Proof Fence is a very powerful film tackling dark issues in Australia’s past head on. How could anyone justify taking children out of their mothers’ arms? Today it is difficult to understand that people could honestly think they were doing the right thing. But it is to the film’s credit that it tries to show both sides by making Mr Neville (Kenneth Branagh’s character) more than just an evil man, rather he is portrayed as a man who worries about the standing of ‘half-castes’ in society. He thinks they will eventually be ‘white’ and better off for it.
All the performances are remarkable, especially Sampi’s. She is a star in the making. But just as fascinating is the landscape (all filmed in South Australia) which is so much more than just a beautiful backdrop. Rabbit-Proof Fence is the most moving film I have seen so far this year and it is a film every Australian should see, so make sure you don’t miss it!
Sol
