Rabbit-Proof Fence

PG

Released Nov 29, 2002

1 hr. 34 min.

Drama

Adventure

List

88%

145 Reviews

Tomatometer

86%

10,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Tells the true story of three aboriginal girls who are forcibly taken from their families in 1931 to be trained as domestic servants as part of an official Australian government policy. They make a daring escape and embark on an epic 1,500 mile journey to get back home - following the rabbit-proof fence that bisects the Australian continent - with the authorities in hot pursuit.

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Critics Consensus

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

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Alec B

A moving road movie, which sees its character's honestly (Branagh in particular is great, playing Neville as a man who deeply believed he was doing the right thing even as he was ripping families apart). Also the Peter Gabriel score is outstanding.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/21/24

Full Review

Steve D

Solid acting and a powerful story.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/31/24

Full Review

Ian M

A moving story with fine performances by some very young actors.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/06/23

Full Review

david l

Rabbit-Proof Fence is a movie that captures some of the worst practices committed by white Australians, the one where they plucked mixed-race children from their Aboriginal communities to forcefully assimilate them into white society. The movie is a bit too short in length and simplistic in its approach, but it's audio-visuals are quite cinematic, the directing is excellent and the acting is fantastic. The casting of the Aboriginal actors was admirably authentic while Kenneth Branagh was suitably menacing in a rare villainous role for him.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A moving road movie, which sees its character's honestly (Branagh in particular is great, playing Neville as a man who deeply believed he was doing the right thing even as he was ripping families apart). Also the Peter Gabriel score is outstanding.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

Full Review

dave s

Indicative of the ignorance of white Christian Colonialists and the damage they have caused over the years, Rabbit-Proof Fence tells the story of three young aboriginal girls who are torn from their families by the Australian government in an effort to assist them in assimilating into a world they don't understand and the dogged pursuit of the girls when they escape in an effort to reunite with their loved ones. Based on actual events, it is both inspiring and heartbreaking, a condemnation of evil and a testament to the power of love. The cinematography is beautiful, Peter Gabriel's score is spot on, and the performances by the three girls are remarkable. Other than some awkward POV shots, it's hard to find fault with Rabbit-Proof Fence.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

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Phillip Noyce

Director

Everlyn Sampi

Molly Craig

Tianna Sansbury

Daisy Craig Kadibill

Laura Monaghan

Gracie Fields

David Gulpilil

Moodoo

Kenneth Branagh

Mr. Neville

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Alyx Vesey

Bitch Media

Rabbit-Proof Fence is a solid effort.

Jan 7, 2021

Full Review

Michael Booth

Denver Post

[Director Phillip] Noyce shows their awful, eventually uplifting journey without flinching, and the arid Australian wilderness is a co-star of the film.

Feb 8, 2008

Full Review

Empire Magazine

Rated: 4/5

Dec 30, 2006

Full Review

Matt Patches

Polygon

Everlyn Sampi is a discovery as the oldest sister and de facto protector, summoning a tangible bravery during key moments of the heart-racing, unimaginable trek.

Apr 6, 2021

Full Review

Leigh Paatsch

Herald Sun (Australia)

Rabbit-Proof Fence subtly shifts the ongoing Stolen Generation debate to where it should have been all along : as a tragic humanitarian riddle that still eludes a fathomable answer.

Rated: 5/5

Nov 17, 2020

Full Review

Kevin Carr

Fat Guys at the Movies

presents a dark spot on Australia's history

Rated: 3/5

Jan 10, 2016

Full Review

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Synopsis

Tells the true story of three aboriginal girls who are forcibly taken from their families in 1931 to be trained as domestic servants as part of an official Australian government policy. They make a daring escape and embark on an epic 1,500 mile journey to get back home - following the rabbit-proof fence that bisects the Australian continent - with the authorities in hot pursuit.

Director: Phillip Noyce
Executive Producer: Jeremy Thomas, Kathleen McLaughlin, David Elfick
Screenwriter: Christine Olsen
Distributor: Miramax Films
Production Co: Olsen Levy Productions, Australian Film Finance Corporation, Showtime Australia, Rumbalara Films
Rating: PG (Emotional Thematic Material)
Genre: Drama, Adventure
Original Language: English (Australia)
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 29, 2002, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 8, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $6.2M
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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