Movies

Few films have garnered so much applause (from critics and public alike) with so little. The plot of "Rabbit Proof Fence" can be found elsewhere on this website. Suffice it to say it's about three girls walking and walking and walking and walking and....across some of the most visually austere country on the planet; the Aussie outback. There's little story behind the film, zilch for Hollywood tinsel, and a minimal cast of relative unknowns (except for Branagh's small role). It would be easy to make the case that this film is one long boring flick. However, it would also be easy to make the case it is a beautifully filmed story of courage, determination, and the triumph of the human spirit. I would argue the latter. (B+)

It's 1931. The government in the Chief Protector of Aborigines A.O. Neville (Kenneth Branagh) is the legal guardian of every Aborigine in Western Australia. Government agents would remove half-caste children from their parents. Sisters Daisy and Molly Craig along with their cousin Gracie are taken from their tribe, the Jigalong mob. Molly's father is a white man who was working on the rabbit-proof fence. She leads the trio in an escape. They follow the fence back home tracked closely by native Moodoo. Neville directs a massive manhunt to find the three little girls.It's a compelling historical drama. The little girls are great especially Everlyn Sampi. It also has the great David Gulpilil. Seeing the real Molly Craig and Daisy Craig Kadibill in present day is what truly kills me. It's an amazing true story.

It shocked me to see a user comment that this was a dull movie! I took my teen daughters to see it in the theater and we liked it so much we rented it again when it came out on DVD. What an interesting story and how amazing that it's based on a true story! Kenneth Brannaugh was amazing as the conflicted but evil official bent on capturing these poor girls. I cried my eyes out (SPOILER) when the girls were taken from their mothers...what a heartbreaking scene! The little girl actresses were also amazing and convincing! This is the rare movie that the family can enjoy together, and also discuss afterwards! I loved the fact that the real Molly and friends were shown at the end of the movie. This was a fascinating story that deserved to be told.