Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002)

More than true...

I was amazed at how much I could relate this powerful, beautifully-told story to our history here in North America, where there are still elders in Indian Country who experienced the same thing, being taken from their parents and forced to stay in boarding schools designed to "kill the Indian, save the child." So much was the same, the forced assimilation, the forbidding of using native language, the forced religion, the brainwashing into thinking that the assimilated aboriginal is better and more intelligent than the non-assimilated. So much is similar that I wish there was more relationship between Australia's "stolen generation" and First Nations people who survived boarding schools and their descendants.

Acting was top-notch from the three girls who had never before acted--particularly Everlyn Sampi, who is clearly a natural method-actor as the director says in the excellent making-of featurette on the DVD (which also includes a great commentary). The photography is gorgeous, really managing to capture the soul of the outback with respect and almost a sort of love. Amazingly unsentimental and never melodramatic--which is quite an accomplishment for such a dramatic, challenging story. And, while there is heartbreak, this manages to ultimately be a feel-good movie...the kind that stays with you. I don't know anyone who's seen it who didn't enjoy it.

While the subject matter is difficult, I think this would be quite appropriate for families and the classroom. None of the material would be too much for kids, and there's no language or anything else that parents would find questionable. August 21, 2008

History hurts!

Watched movie with my neighbors and am giving Amazon purchase as Christmas present. Service from Amazon was excellent. August 7, 2008

One of the best movies I've seen

Provides insight to a different era in Australia and a view into aboriginal culture. An inspiring film that showcases how hope and determination can lead to amazing accomplishments. July 15, 2008

A Must See

Our daughter had recommended this movie to us after watching it at school, and a special thanks goes to her. This movie captures the human spirit at its best actually using aborignal actors that had no acting experience proior to the making of this movie. Its a movie for all ages and teaches us a valuable lesson of human spirit, determination and the will to survive at such a young age, under such hostile conditions. This definetly a must see and to have in you're collection to be watched again. June 13, 2008

Rabbit Proof Fence

This movie was excellent, it had all the emotions. I never dreamed that this occurred anywhere in the world. I highly recommend this movie. June 2, 2008

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