Rabbitproof Fence

In my opinion, Rabbitproof Fence was an unappreciated but elegant film. It wasn't nominated for any Oscars or BAFTA's, and only one Golden Globe, for Best Original Score. The film was lacking in special effects, or big action scenes, or epic speeches. It was essentially just a documentary following the story of three very brave little girls in Australia- which I think is why the film struck such a chord in me.

The story followed the girls as they got taken away from their family and to a camp for half cast children, but they promptly escaped and spent 19 weeks walking across Australia just to get home. The reason it got into my heart so much was the three girls were just so believable- I felt that they were vulnerable, strong-willed and heroic. I wanted to give them water and food and shelter!

The first performance that really got to my heart was that of Everlyn Sampi- she played Molly Craig, the eldest of the three girls and the leader of the group. She was so determined to get home, and make sure the others were okay, and that they would not get caught. I thought she carried all these qualities with skill and finesse- which for a girl of just 14!

Another performance (well two, really) which moved me were not featured in the film a massive amount. This is the performances of Ningali Lawford and Myarn Lawford. They played Molly's mother and grandmother, and when the children got taken away from the small town of Jigalong, I felt their pain like I was out there with them.

The two other young girls, Tianna Sansbury and Laura Monaghan, were also incredibly impressive. They were, like Molly, very brave to walk for so long and so far, and I can understand Gracie's (Monaghan) temptation when she see's a shortcut to her mother. I also felt her pain when she gets taken back to the camp.

I was massively relieved when the two remaining girls are reunited with their families, and yet more moved when I discovered it was a true story. I think that the story of Molly Craig is greatly inspirational and gives a lesson that everyone should take to the grave- family are the most important thing you've got.