Critic Reviews
Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002) Rank 3 Reviews
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based on (200) reviews
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Entertainment Weekly (Lisa Schwarzbaum)
Noyce honors the story best by standing back (and getting Kenneth Branagh, as a supercilious official, to stand back, too): Noyce lets the landscape and the untrained young actresses own the screen, particularly the naturally magnetic Everlyn Sampi. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Entertainment Weekly (Lisa Schwarzbaum)
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Noyce's movie is a testament to endurance -- the camera caresses the landscape -- instilling us with a respect and reverence for it, its harsh ways and the attachment to it that Australia's indigenous people hold. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Seattle Post-Intelligencer
San Francisco Chronicle (Jonathan Curiel)
San Francisco Chronicle (Jonathan Curiel)
Q Network Film Desk (James Kendrick)
Qwipster's Movie Reviews (Vince Leo)
2002 was a pretty good year for Aussie director Phillip Noyce, who also saw his excellent film, The Quiet American, released late in the year. Although both films deal with a class of people who are being victimized and manipulated by superior forces arou ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Qwipster's Movie Reviews (Vince Leo)
Movie Gazette (Gary Panton)
DVDActive (Pete Roberts)
Austin Chronicle (Marc Savlov)
Film Threat, Hollywood's Indie Voice
LA Weekly (Ella Taylor)
Noyce wants us to feel the joy of the homecoming, but he's honest enough to show, in a coda that tells what happened to the girls after their break for home, how Rabbit Proof Fence finally must be more a tale of courage than of victory. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at LA Weekly (Ella Taylor)
Chicago Reader (Jonathan Rosenbaum)
The story is so black-and-white that one feels like hissing the villain (Kenneth Branagh) and cheering the heroines at every stage, but it's so amazing that the simplicity of the telling seems warranted. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Chicago Reader (Jonathan Rosenbaum)
The New York Times (Stephen Holden)
Although the movie, adapted from a book by Doris Pilkington Garimara, pushes emotional buttons and simplifies its true story to give it the clean narrative sweep of an extended folk ballad, it never goes dramatically overboard. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at The New York Times (Stephen Holden)
TV Guide (Ken Fox)
Thrilling, heart-wrenching tale of the real-life incredible journey. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at TV Guide (Ken Fox)
Variety (David Stratton)
It succeeds emotionally in the cause of what seems to be its primary aim, to advance an attitudinal change in Australians not normally sympathetic to the aboriginal cause. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Variety (David Stratton)
The Onion (A.V. Club) (Keith Phipps)
Where Noyce could easily have given Branagh a mustache and tilted the film toward old-fashioned melodrama, he leans on tactics that are less obvious and more effective. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at The Onion (A.V. Club) (Keith Phipps)
TV Guide's Movie Guide (Ken Fox)
Thrilling, heart-wrenching tale. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at TV Guide's Movie Guide (Ken Fox)
Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC) (Ken Hanke)
Blessedly, Rabbit-Proof Fence never succumbs to the trap of being merely high-minded, but succeeds as effective filmmaking in its own right, becoming a movie that is both important and good. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC) (Ken Hanke)
Toronto Star (Peter Howell)
A movie of adventure, courage and spirit, revealing the best and worst in human nature and introducing terrific new talent. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Toronto Star (Peter Howell)
Orlando Weekly (Steve Schneider)
The structure is simple, but in its own way, Rabbit-Proof Fence is a quest story as grand as The Lord of the Rings . ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Orlando Weekly (Steve Schneider)
Arizona Republic (Bill Muller)
Many movies claim to illuminate the human spirit, but Rabbit-Proof Fence actually delivers. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Arizona Republic (Bill Muller)
Citysearch (Michael Phillips)
All newcomers, the young actors portray the girls with charisma, strength and nobility. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Citysearch (Michael Phillips)
Metro Times (Detroit, MI) (Anita Schmaltz)
The film’s premise is simple, but every scene seethes with intensity and outrage as it displays this true account of textbook colonialism. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Metro Times (Detroit, MI) (Anita Schmaltz)
Los Angeles Times (Manohla Dargis)
An old-fashioned weepie tucked inside a fiercely indicting political thriller. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Los Angeles Times (Manohla Dargis)
Mr. Cranky Rates the Movies (Mr. Cranky)
Empire Magazine (--)
Greenwich Village Gazette (Eric Lurio)
Austin Chronicle (Marc Savlov)
Its adult themes of familial separation and societal betrayal are head and shoulders above much of the director’s previous popcorn work -– more hurt, more heart, more unassailable hope. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Austin Chronicle (Marc Savlov)
CountingDown.com (Brandy Parrish)
DVDwolf (Rob Paul)
Palo Alto Weekly (Jeanne Aufmuth)
Noyce utilizes simple, stylish camerawork and spare dialogue to delivery pregnantly poignant anguish. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Palo Alto Weekly (Jeanne Aufmuth)
Laramie Movie Scope (Robert Roten)
Boston Globe (Wesley Morris)
San Francisco Examiner (Joe Leydon)
Sampi, first among equals, is quietly, devastatingly heartbreaking while conveying Molly's relentless resolve. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at San Francisco Examiner (Joe Leydon)
San Jose Mercury News (Glenn Lovell)
Noyce has worked wonders with the material. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at San Jose Mercury News (Glenn Lovell)
South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Todd Anthony)
It makes for one haunting, powerful movie experience. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Todd Anthony)
Philadelphia Inquirer (Steven Rea)
An amazing story, amazingly told. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Philadelphia Inquirer (Steven Rea)
Zertinet Movies (Steven Snyder)
Most haunting about “Fence” is its conclusion, when we hear the ultimate fate of these girls and realize, much to our dismay, that this really did happen. Noyce’s greatest mistake is thinking that we needed sweeping, dramatic, Hollywood moments to keep us ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Zertinet Movies (Steven Snyder)
Sun Publications (Chicago, IL) (Josh Larsen)
...dramatizes a staggering true story that would be hard to botch. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Sun Publications (Chicago, IL) (Josh Larsen)
Cinema Signals by The Filmiliar Cineaste
Chicago Tribune (Robert K. Elder)
Characters are so well-drawn, so human - that even in the harsh light of history - it remains difficult to understand how Australia allowed such inhumanity to become institutional, mechanized and accepted. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Chicago Tribune (Robert K. Elder)
New York Daily News (Jami Bernard)
Here, Noyce lets his camera, the geography and the youngsters tell this exceptionally powerful story. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at New York Daily News (Jami Bernard)
Sacramento Bee (Joe Baltake)
The final shot in the film is one that you won't soon forget. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Sacramento Bee (Joe Baltake)
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Duane Dudek)
Its portrait of a corrosive national policy of racial superiority is as much a window as it is a mirror and is unsettling in a too-familiar way. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Duane Dudek)
Creative Loafing (Matt Brunson)
This isn't exactly an uplifting tale of the indomitability of the human spirit; rather, there are many heartbreaking moments, and the coda delivers an additional wallop. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Creative Loafing (Matt Brunson)
Kansas City Star (Robert W. Butler)
A haunting and heartbreaking minimalist tale. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Kansas City Star (Robert W. Butler)
Film Freak Central (Bill Chambers)
A movie that will grab your attention immediately for Peter Gabriel's redolent score. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Film Freak Central (Bill Chambers)
Movie Parables (Michael Elliott)
Effectively instructs us as to a little known piece of world history while showing us the courage and determination of a little girl named Molly. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Movie Parables (Michael Elliott)
Boston Globe (Wesley Morris)
As ambitious as this may be, however, the movie's objectives tax its energy even as the girls' plight tears at your heart. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Boston Globe (Wesley Morris)
Dark Horizons (Garth Franklin)
New York Post (Lou Lumenick)
Noyce paces this amazing story well, and even if his young actors don't seem to have physically suffered as much as they would during such a long journey, he makes extremely good use of the bleak Outback scenery. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at New York Post (Lou Lumenick)
Arizona Daily Star (Phil Villarreal)
Somewhat stolid pacing keeps the film from fulfilling its potential, but it is always touching, if tough to watch. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Arizona Daily Star (Phil Villarreal)
Cinema in Focus (Denny Wayman and Hal Conklin)
SPLICEDwire (Rob Blackwelder)
Movie Habit (Marty Mapes)
ToxicUniverse.com (John Nesbit)
artechock (Michael Haberlander)
Parent/Teacher Learning Guides at teachwithmovies.org
allesfilm.com (Reinhard Bradatsch)
Christian Spotlight on the Movies
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Reel Film Reviews (David Nusair)
Screen It! Entertainment Reviews for Parents
Blackfilm.com (Wilson Morales)
A Guide to Current DVD (Aaron Beierle)
Planet Sick-Boy (Jon Popick)
Premiere Magazine (Glenn Kenny)
The Filmsnobs (James Owen)
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Movie-Vault.com (David Trier)
DVDTown.com (John J. Puccio)
That the film can still move us despite its imperfections is part of its accomplishment. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at DVDTown.com (John J. Puccio)
Film Threat (Clint Morris)
The performances of young Sampi, Monaghan and Sansbury are amazing. They’re immersing and compelling. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Film Threat (Clint Morris)
Screen It! (Jim Judy)
It's rather engrossing as one roots for the girls to succeed. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Screen It! (Jim Judy)
Dallas Observer (Jean Oppenheimer)
The story itself is absolutely amazing, and the sense of outrage it evokes is universal, but director Noyce faces a difficult task in that once the story is set in motion there is very little action, other than walking shots of the girls, and almost no ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Dallas Observer (Jean Oppenheimer)
Lobo Howls (Judith Wolfe)
Frank's Reel Reviews
We learn of two very incredible, almost unbelievable facts in Rabbit Proof Fence. Two facts that if it weren't for this movie, much of the world may never have known about. One is the construction of a long barrier fence, a monumental structural feat ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Frank's Reel Reviews
Wolf Entertainment Guide (William Wolf)
DVD Town (John J. Puccio)
Shadows on the Wall (Rich Cline)
Movies 101 (Robert Glatzer)
MovieEye.com (David Litton)
Entertainment Insiders
Deseret News, Salt Lake City
Cineclub-Filmkritik
Was der „weiße Mann“ in den USA mit den Eingeborenen gemacht hat, ist hinlänglich bekannt. Der australische Regisseur Philip Noyce kehrt nach seinem Ausflug nach Hollywood in seine Heimat zurück und rollt ein Stück dunkler australischer ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Cineclub-Filmkritik
Ozus' World Movie Reviews (Dennis Schwartz)
"Noyce films it more as a shocking history lesson than as drama." ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Ozus' World Movie Reviews (Dennis Schwartz)
The Boston Phoenix
DVD Verdict (Dan Mancini)
In Film Australia
Playing with powerful historical themes, Noyce ultimately softens the blow with a visual composition that screams to be noticed. His cameras move freely from their tripods, photographing their lush surroundings with color and detail. Cinematographer ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at In Film Australia
The Phantom Tollbooth
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Spirituality & Health (Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat)
The Flick Filosopher (MaryAnn Johanson)
Film Freak Central
The Trades (Joel MacRae)
Political Film Society
Reeling Reviews (Robin and Laura Clifford)
Senses of Cinema (Fiona A. Villella)
Combustible Celluloid (Jeffrey M. Anderson)
The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (Liam Lacey)
Not until the final shot does Noyce rise up to the potential of the history: There's a sudden shiver of recognition, that, my God, these people really lived this. ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (Liam Lacey)
World Socialist Web Site
Film Blather (Eugene Novikov)
Urban Cinefile (Urban Cinefile Critics)
Based on the true story of three young Aboriginal girls Molly, Gracie, Daisy (Evelyn Sampi, Laura Monaghan, Tianna Sansbury): in 1931 they were forcibly removed from their families at Jigalong WA and taken to a camp 1500 miles away at Moore River to be ...read the complete Rabbit-Proof Fence movie review at Urban Cinefile (Urban Cinefile Critics)
d+kaz. Intelligent Movie Reviews (Daniel Kasman)
Film Threat, Hollywood's Indie Voice
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