Rabbit-Proof Fence

Genre: socio-historical drama   

With: Everlyn Sampi (Molly Craig at 14), Tianna Sansbury (her sister Daisy, age 8), Ningali Lawford (their mother Maud), Laura Monaghan (cousin Gracie), David Gulpilil (Moodoo), Jason Clarke (Riggs), Kenneth Branagh (A.O. Neville)

Director: Phillip Noyce

Screenplay: Christine Olsen (from a book by Doris Pilkington Garimara)

Release: 2002

Studio: Rumbalara Films, Australian Film Commission et al.     

Rating: PG

MBiS score: 8.3/10

‟This is your new home. We don't use that jabber here. You speak English.”

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Story-line: in the early part of the 20th century, when a transcontinental fence was erected in Australia to protect farmlands from rabbits, some of its White builders fathered children with local Aboriginal women. It was decided, against decency and common sense, that these ‟half-caste” children would be placed under the guardianship of the Chief Protector of Aborigines in the State of Western Australia.

Pluses: faultless acting by Everlyn Sampi and cast, a stunning screenplay based on true events, wholly satisfying direction and production values.  

Minuses: none really.

Comments: what struck me most about this touching and revolting film is how its denunciation of colonialism and racial insensitivity toward Native Peoples resonates in countries other than Australia, especially here in Canada. In a larger context, its cruel metaphor about ‟rabbits” speaks volumes to our world teeming with suspicion, intolerance and plans for walls and fences to guard ‟us” against ‟them”. Sixteen years after its release, RABBIT-PROOF FENCE is as important and timely as ever. 

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