Rabbit-Proof Fence

" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"

"(2002) Australia- English, Aboriginal"

"4¾⭐/ 5⭐ + RABBIT-PROOF FENCE is an achingly tragic portrait of racism and government oppression, and the courageous strength of the human spirit when challenged by its cruelty. Whereas many movies portray these issues with overwrought melodrama, this movie presents it in a disturbingly matter-of-fact way. Hearing the government officials speak of generationally breeding the native Aboriginal bloodline out of Australian society as if presenting a sound, rational plan is disturbing in a way that doesn't need to be amped up to one hundred. It illustrates how racism can look when dressed in sheep's clothing. It's also an exploration into the courage and resilience of the native people in the form of three young, mixed Aboriginal girls as we follow their 1,500 mile trek back home. The movie is only 90 minutes long, but the narrative scope feels as if it extends beyond the runtime. The journey of these three girls is enthralling to say the least. We sense their vulnerability to the world at large, but the filmmakers focus more on their strength and resilience, celebrating their resolve as strong human beings. The plot is simple and the story is both sad and suspenseful at times. The cat-and-mouse aspect of the narrative is done tastefully by always keeping the real-life human element at the center of the action. The script is strong, the performances have a level of simplicity and depth that pulls us into the action. Kenneth Branagh is easily the strongest actor in the movie, but the three young actresses are surprisingly good as well. This is tragic and harrowing, and by the end it gives you very little space to plant your feet. Powerful from beginning to end. - Some of the aesthetic storytelling was a little off. One would expect the girls to look more worn out, and their clothes more tattered after a one month trek in such an inhospitable environment. More detail could have gone into makeup and costume in these moments. Not a big criticism, but noticeable to me."

"This movie will make you rethink “humanity.”"

"There are so many first nations movies out there. Which others have you seen? "

"My favorite movie from when I was ten years old! I saw this in an independent theater with my parents and its been my favorite ever since."