Review of Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002) by Amy B — 30 Nov 2009

The Rabbit Proof Fence was directed by Phillip Noyce in 2002. It is based on the true story by Doris Pilkington Garimara called Follow the Rabbit Proof Fence. The movie takes place in 1931 during the Aborigine Act in Australia, as white government officials are herding up black Aborigine children and placing them in white ?disciplined? schooling systems. This film follows three girls, Molly Craig, her sister Daisy, and their cousin Gracie, as they attempt to escape the government setup in order to find the rabbit proof fence that will guide them to their hometown of Jigalong.

Molly Craig and her family members show immense determination as they trek 2,000 miles on foot to find their way back to their Aboriginal home. The characters are part of a cat and mouse chase as they are hunted after by white officials who demand that they learn the ?white? way of life. Molly Craig becomes the unspoken leader of the group as she urges her younger sister and cousin along through the desert areas of Australia. The fence in which the girls follow is itself a character in that it guides them back to their family members in Jigalong.

As the audience sees Molly, Daisy, and Gracie trek through the dry countryside of Australia, the setting itself leads tremendously to the message of the movie. Endless deserts and miles of sand with no water help the viewers connect to the three escapees. Seeing the sweat on almost every single character of the movie reinforces to the audience just how hot and exhausting of a journey the three young girls have to take. The use of scenery not only allows the audience to see a side of Australia which many people don?t see, but it also stirs up emotion within the audience members.

This movie teaches its viewers to never give up. Molly, Daisy, and Gracie persevere on their journey as they work tirelessly to find their way home. These characters show that by believing in something wholeheartedly, anything can happen.