A Response To The Film Rabbit-proof Fence
Directed by Phillip Noyce in 2002, Rabbit-Proof Fence depicts the story of three young girls who escape from a settlement and set out to make the 1,500-mile journey back home on foot. The events are based on a true story of Molly Craig and her half-sister Daisy Kadbil and what they had experienced in real life. The film discusses themes surrounding the stolen generation as well as highlighting the anguish experienced by mothers whose children were taken in an attempt to breed out the Aborigines.
The story is set during the 1930's in Jigalong located in Western Australia. The film unravels with three young female protagonists Molly, Daisy, and Gracie interacting with their family while speaking in their native language, Marduwangka. However, the unification of a mother and daughter isn’t displayed throughout utmost of the film because the three girls were forcibly placed into the reduction camp at the Moore River Settlement under ministerial warrants. The emotions shown on the mother and grandmother’s face are heartbreaking as they plead for the officer not to take them. However, what made it emotional for me is seeing the mother mourning the loss of her children as she lays on the ground crying. Their removal is by the order of Mr Neville, chief protector of Aborigines. Nonetheless, Mr Neville’s title does not represent his actions, as he plans to remove the aboriginal culture instead of protecting it. As the children arrive at the Moore River Native Settlement Camp the girls are made aware of the risks and consequences of running away. Nevertheless, they still risk their lives and venture back home. But their trek wasn’t easy, as they eluded captures by white men and are battled with hunger, fatigue and thirst.
The journey of Molly (Everlyn Sampi), her half-sister Daisy (Tiana Sansbury) and Cousin Gracie (Laura Monaghan) was both physically and emotionally devastating as the girls escaped the Moore River captivity to travel 1500 miles back home to Jigalong through the rugged outback of Western Australia. As Molly being the eldest, she took responsibilities and started to understand her strengths and weaknesses. She overcomes her fears and was eager to return home. Molly’s courage of evading the skilled tracker Moodoo and the state police as they walk the long-distance back home was classified as an epic journey and ranks as one of the most remarkable feats of vitality and courage in Australian history. Everlyn Sampi’s performance in the film Rabbit Proof Fence was worth watching as she portrays the optimism and determination of the real Molly Craig using decisive language choices and facial expressions.
The significant culture reference that I have identified in the film Rabbit Proof Fence is the aborigine’s connection to their land. The first interaction between Molly and her land is introduced with a voiceover of the adult Molly Craig in the background stating the story of how the Jigalong tribes were defensive over their land. The movie also states their connection towards the spirit bird and how it symbolises their indentity and faith of the aborigines. Rabbit Proof Fence also discusses the aspects of the Stolen Generation. The Stolen Generation is about aboriginal children and how they were forcibly removed from their homes by the federal government.
The film Rabbit Proof Fence is an accurate portrayal of real-life events and history due to its precise representation of the statements real Molly Craig and Daisy Kadbil had given. However, the movie did comprise some false scenes where it is shown that the three girls had embarked on a 1500-mile journey on foot. This is a false statement as the three young girls had also voyaged on a boat throughout their quest to return home. Molly, Daisy and Gracie had also slept in a Rabbits Burrow to stay warm throughout the night in the real-life story. But this scene was not exhibited in the movie, however it’s highly expected from film directors because they are also considering the entertainment of the movie. The film also encompasses many valid representations of real-life events such as the girls receiving help from fellow strangers and Mr Neville attempting to abolish the black colour.
Eventually, this film does come to an end, where Molly and Daisy reunite with their culture, land and relatives. This ending leaves you with an emotional connection to the story and history of Australia. Unlike many other movies, Rabbit Proof Fences storytelling is straightforward and honest as it addresses the issue of racism. I conclude that Rabbit Proof Fence is worth watching because it encompasses many emotional, engaging and valid representations of history as well as comprising an impressive debut of young and skilled actors.
