Rabbit-Proof Fence

2002

Rabbit-Proof Fence

Critics Consensus

Visually beautiful and well-acted, Rabbit-Proof Fence tells a compelling true-life story.

87%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 142

86%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 23,750

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Movie Info

In Western Australia, 1931, the small depot of Jigalong sits on the edge of the Gibson Desert. Running through Jigalong and out into the desert is a rabbit-proof fence that bisects Australia from north to south. The fence was built to keep rabbits on one side and pasture on the other. This remote country is home to three spirited Aboriginal girls, Molly, her sister Daisy, and their cousin Gracie. The girls' white fathers are fence workers who have moved on. Now their only contact with white Australia is the weekly ration day at Jigalong Depot. In Perth, AO Neville, the area's Chief Protector of Aborigines, receives word that the three girls are running wild. He believes the Aboriginal race is dying out and believes that the answer to the "colored problem" is to breed out the Aboriginal race. To achieve this he has ruled that children of mixed marriages cannot marry full-blooded Aborigines. Settlements are set up across the state and "half-caste" children are removed from their families and prepared for their "new life in white society" as domestic servants and laborers. Neville orders the removal of Molly, Gracie, and Daisy and they are relocated 1,200 miles from home to a grim settlement. The harsh conditions they must live under shock Molly, and she convinces Daisy and Gracie to run away with her. With Moodoo, a cruel and master tracker on their tails, they begin a grueling three-month journey home, following the rabbit-proof fence that will guide them back to their mother and their rightful home.

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Cast

Everlyn Sampi
as Molly
Tianna Sansbury
as Daisy
Laura Monaghan
as Gracie
Kenneth Branagh
as A.O. Neville
David Gulpilil
as Moodoo
Ningali Lawford
as Molly's Mother
Myarn Lawford
as Molly's Grandmother
Deborah Mailman
as Mavis
Jason Clarke
as Constable Riggs
Garry McDonald
as Neal
Lorna Leslie
as Miss Thomas
Natasha Wanganeen
as Dormitory Boss
Roy Billing
as Police Inspector
Andrew S. Gilbert
as Depot Manager
Ken Radley
as Fence Worker
Celine O'Leary
as Miss Jessop
Kate Cullen Roberts
as Matron
Tracy Monaghan
as Moodoo's Daughter
Tamara Flanagan
as Escaped Girl, Olive
David Ngoombujarra
as Kangaroo Hunter
Anthony Hayes
as Fence Builder
Sheryl Carter
as Gracie's Mother
Heath Bergersen
as Wiluna Liar
Trevor Jamieson
as Moore River Policeman
Edwina Bishop
as First Farm Mother
Kerilee Meuris
as Farm Daughter
Andrew Martin
as Car Driving Policeman
Don Barker
as Mr. Evans
Carmel Johnson
as Mrs. Evans
David Buchanan
as Railway Policeman
Richard Carter
as Farmhouse Policeman
Fiona Gregory
as Jigalong Mother
Reggie Wanganeen
as Tommy Grant
Glenys Sampi
as Woman in Queue
Kizzy Flanagan
as First Dormitory Girl
Antonia Sampi
as Second Dormitory Girl
Maurice Kelly
as Aboriginal Hunter
Elsie Thomas
as Singing Woman at Jigalong
Rosie Goodji
as Singing Woman at Jigalong
Jewess James
as Singing Woman at Jigalong
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Critic Reviews for Rabbit-Proof Fence

All Critics (142) | Top Critics (31)

View All Critic Reviews (142)

Audience Reviews for Rabbit-Proof Fence

  • Jan 15, 2013
    Kenneth Branagh is a compelling villain, and some of the cinematography is great but there simply isn't enough plot to carry this true-story drama to the finish line with full attention in tow.
    Sam B Super Reviewer
  • Jul 03, 2012
    A great journey picture and certainly one of the best films on the aboriginal peoples of Australia. Kenneth Branaugh is brilliant as the adversary for the escaping gals.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • May 29, 2012
    Depends on how you view it, it can a film about racism or a film about staying together and finding way home. The realistic portrayal can be disturbing to some people but are the ultimate truth of what the British people were thinking- Eugenics in a wrong way. Aboriginal people are shown to have strong willpower and stamina thanks to the director. It's a controversial film based on the true story.
    Sylvester K Super Reviewer
  • Jul 25, 2011
    'Rabbit-Proof Fence' (2002) is a beautiful true story which keeps audience amused thought most of the film.
    Noah N Super Reviewer
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