Critical Analysis of The Movie Rabbit Proof Fence

Introduction

Directed and produced by Phillip Noyce, Rabbit Proof Fence was released on 4th February 2002. Starring Everlyn Sampi (Molly Craig) and Tianna Sansbury (Daisy Craig Kadibill), the movie revolves around the epic journey of two sisters Molly (14 years old) and Daisy (8 years old) and their cousin Gracie (10 years old) as they attempt to escape Moore River Native Settlement, where they are forcibly confined after being uprooted from their mother, Maude (played by Ningali Lawford).

Background of the Story

Molly, Daisy, and Gracie reside in the town of Jigalong, situated in Western Australia. It lies along the fence connecting to the rabbit-proof fence that runs for several thousand miles. A.O. Neville (Mr. Devil), the official Protector of Western Australian Aborigines, orders the relocation of the three girls to the Moore River Native Settlement because he considers them “half-castes” (having one Aboriginal and one white parent). He believes that the Aboriginal people of Australia are a threat to themselves and must be bred out of existence, thus appropriately referred to as Mr. Devil by the girls. His agenda is to keep the three girls, along with other “half-castes” of similar age, in the camp where they will grow up to become servants to the rich white families. The ultimate goal is to dilute Aboriginal blood from the soil of Australia. This policy reflects the broader historical context of the Stolen Generations, where thousands of Aboriginal children were removed from their families.

The Journey

During their stay at the camp, Molly notices rain clouds in the sky and devises a plan to escape the settlement, believing that the rain will mask their tracks, making it almost impossible to follow them accurately. Daisy and Gracie decide to flee with Molly, thus embarking on the unthinkable and unimaginable voyage of 1500 miles, barefoot.

After noticing the girls’ absence from the camp, Moodoo, an experienced Aboriginal tracker, is hired to track them. Despite Moodoo’s efforts, the girls do an excellent job of disguising their tracks and escape Moodoo multiple times, aided by sympathetic Australian locals. The girls eventually find the Rabbit Proof Fence and start following it, knowing it connects to their town of Jigalong. However, Neville quickly realizes their strategy and sends Moodoo after them. Moodoo fails again, prompting Neville to change his plan and spread a false word that Gracie’s mother is waiting for her in the town of Wiluna. The Aboriginal traveler who helps the girls informs Gracie about her mother, leading her to board a train to Wiluna, thus separating her from Molly and Daisy. Gracie is captured again at the station, and Molly and Daisy continue their journey, aware that they are no match for Neville’s power and position and hence unable to rescue Gracie. After walking for several thousand miles, Molly and Daisy finally return home, and Neville eventually gives up the search. The movie's epilogue reveals that Gracie has died and never returned to Jigalong. Molly, along with her two daughters, was once again taken to Moore River, where she managed to escape with only one of her daughters, Anabelle. Molly describes having to walk along the Rabbit Proof Fence once again to return home. However, when Anabelle turned three, she was uprooted from her mother one more time, and Molly never saw her again.

Critical Analysis

As we discussed in class, although the film shares the theme of white atrocities against native people, it differs from typical films on indigenous people that we have seen thus far. It has a unique storyline with a female protagonist set in a country other than America. The film challenges the audience to confront the harsh realities faced by Aboriginal communities and the enduring impact of colonial policies.

Writer Sabra G. Thorner, in the article “Changing the Rules of Engagement,” argues that Rabbit Proof Fence urges the audience to rethink the role of ethnographic media in our increasingly interconnected social lives. Thorner also mentions that the film presents the perspectives of native women in Australia regarding their confinement in the camp. The movie effectively symbolizes women's empowerment in various ways and serves as a critique of the so-called dominant “men” society.

Film Adaptation and Conclusion

Adapting a book into a film is never an easy task. Director Philip Noyce shot the film with such dedication that it is evident in almost every scene, such as when the girls are torn from their mother, scenes involving Aboriginal kids having supper at the camp, and the girls running along the fence, among others. The screenplay is beautifully written, keeping the audience gripped throughout the entire movie. The film also effectively uses the vast Australian landscape to emphasize the isolation and determination of the girls. All in all, Rabbit Proof Fence is a must-watch heartwarming movie that takes you on a thrilling ride full of emotions and feelings.

References

• Thorner, S. G. (2003). Changing the Rules of Engagement: Rabbit Proof Fence. Journal of Media and Cultural Studies, 17(4), 451-461.
• Noyce, P. (Director). (2002). Rabbit Proof Fence [Film]. Miramax Films.
• Pilkington, D. (1996). Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence. University of Queensland Press.