Rabbit Proof Fence

Philip Noyce, 2002 (93 mins, Cert. PG)

Philip Noyce's true, emotive story of three Aboriginal girls who were forceibly removed from their family in the 1930s as a result of Australian government policy. Running away from the children's home in which they had been placed, the girls walk home, following the 1000 mile fence (built to keep rabbits at bay) back to their village. Beautiful cinematography of the Australian outback by Christopher Doyle and a beguiling score by Peter Gabriel, are juxtoposed against a heart-wrenching story of resilience and courage.
(Barbican Publicity)

Peter Gabriel's score supplies entrancing atmosphere to what is otherwise a sketchily-told story. Kenneth Branagh coasts through the role of a cardboard cut-out baddy colonial oppressor.Fortunately the three girls are much more believable and the film is at its best when the focus is on them and their barely-comprehendable feat. Too much time is lost in setting up the situation and in wordy dialogue between the government staff. Ultimately unsatisfying.
(Steve Fagg)

Seen: Monday, 18th November, 2002 (Barbican Cinema 1)