Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002)
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Rabbit-Proof Fence Movie Review
Rabbit-Proof Fence is a 2002 Australian drama film directed by Phillip Noyce and starring Everlyn Sampi and Kenneth Branagh. It’s a simple, but emotionally powerful tale.
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“If only they would understand what we are trying to do for them“
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In 1931, three aboriginal girls escape after being plucked from their homes to be trained as domestic staff and set off on a trek across the Outback. Of all the terrible things that happened during Australian history, none has been worse than their treatment of indigenous people. The plot of this movie is concerned with a lesser-known practice that the white Australians employed, which is take the mixed-race people from Aboriginal homes and train them to incorporate them into white society.
It was a truly horrendous practice that separated and destroyed families. It was best described through the villain that was played stupendously by the very memorable Kenneth Branagh. It was a rare bad guy role for him, but he excelled at playing this truly awful man who resembled Hitler in his eugenics philosophy.
Others also impressed with Everlyn Sampi being the most memorable part of this authentically cast indigenous cast. All of the actresses were terrific, but their characterization left a lot to be desired. Still, their story was truly tragic and their harsh adventure through the Australian Outback was both imposing and touching.
Rabbit-Proof Fence features stunning audio-visuals. It is a very cinematic viewing experience that is particularly effective at capturing the beauty and the danger of the Outback, especially in that adventurous and epic second half. The first half is more of a drama while the second one is a dark adventure tale with a very moving ending.
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My only issue with this movie is its simplistic nature. For what is a very dark chapter in Australian history and a complex subject matter, the movie itself felt almost too easy and too simple at tackling these issues. A more layered approach to telling this story and a longer runtime would have sufficed. Nonetheless, it’s wonderfully directed by the famous Australian director Phillip Noyce, and it was brave in openly combating racism that it needs to be commended for it.
Rabbit-Proof Fence is a movie that captures some of the worst practices committed by white Australians, the one where they plucked mixed-race children from their Aboriginal communities to forcefully assimilate them into white society. The movie is a bit too short in length and simplistic in its approach, but its audio-visuals are quite cinematic, the directing is excellent and the acting is fantastic. The casting of the Aboriginal actors was admirably authentic while Kenneth Branagh was suitably menacing in a rare villainous role for him.
My Rating – 4
