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. 

MBiS

© 2018 – All rights reserved

All or Nothing

Genre: ensemble drama

With: Family 1: Timothy Spall (Phil the taxi driver), Lesley Manville (Penny), James Corden (Rory) and Alison Garland (Rachel); Family 2: Ruth Sheen (Maureen) and Helen Coker (Donna); Family 3: Paul Jesson (Ron, another taxi driver), Marion Bailey (Carol) and Sally Hawkins (Samantha)

Direction and screenplay: Mike Leigh

Release: 2002

Studio: Les Films Alain Sarde, Thin Man Films

Rating: 14A

MBiS score: 8.3/10

‟Funny, isn't it? Love. If you're not together, you're alone.”

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Story-line: three English families struggle with daily life and the thorny issues it often poses. 

Pluses: a serious and eloquent screenplay, note-perfect acting, solid helming and appropriate production values.

Minuses: none really.

Comments: novelist Elaine Ford (1938-2017) once said that “Every life is full of drama within. The trick is to persuade the reader that the story is worth telling.” One could easily say as much about ALL OR NOTHING, another high-quality, humanistic work by Mike Leigh. This film is so skilfully made that its characters – even the less likeable ones – will win you over.

MBiS

© 2018 – All rights reserved

 

El Cid 

Also known as: Cid (Le)

Genre: historical epic 

With: Charlton Heston (Rodrigo de Vivar, a.k.a. El Cid), Sophia Loren (Jimena), Raf Vallone (Don Garcia, Count Ordóñez), Geneviève Page (Princess Urraca), John Fraser (Prince Alfonso), Gary Raymond (Prince Sancho), Douglas Wilmer (Moutamin the Moor)

Director: Anthony Mann

Screenplay: Philip Yordan, Fredric M. Frank and Ben Barzman, based on a story by Fredric M. Frank

Release: 1961

Studio: Samuel Bronston Productions, Dear Film Production

Rating: -

MBiS score: 8.4/10

A Man Who Sought Peace… and Had to Kill for It

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Story-line: in or around 1110, Spain is in total turmoil. While the kingdom’s Catholics resist Moorish invaders and a Moroccan warlord plans a second invasion of his own, Rodrigo de Vivar, a local nobleman, dreams of stopping the bloodshed and marrying fair Jimena. Now that’s a tall order, Rodrigo!

Pluses: a forceful cast led by Charlton Heston (for his strength), Sophia Loren (for her emotional range and beauty), Geneviève Page, John Fraser and Gary Raymond, remarkable direction (the battle and crowd scenes in particular), a robust symphonic score (Miklós Rózsa), sumptuous visuals (Robert Krasker) and magnificent costumes, sets and exteriors.

Minuses: you may feel a certain déjà vu if you have already seen two other Heston blockbusters, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (the exile scene, Urraca’s behaviour) and BEN-HUR (Rodrigo’s white horse).

Comments: although it keeps to the established formula of big budget epics – A-list actors speaking solemnly, lots of drama and pageantry, the usual mix of elevated sentiments, tough talk, mayhem and ever-threatened love, a majestic soundtrack and ultra-high-grade production values – EL CID rolls along with such overwhelming power that it captivates for all of its 182 minutes. Even Rodrigo can’t resist it: ‟I told my love it had no right to live. But my love won't die...” Well said, my Spanish friend…

MBiS

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