RABBIT-PROOF FENCE (2002) ** People look for different things in movies, for me this was very slow. It also told an important story very well, illustrated the beauty of the Australian Outback in a manner to drive the editor of National Geographic to fits of envy, and featured performances from several talented young actresses (Everlyn Sampi, Tianna Sansbury, Laura Monaghan). It turns out that the Germans weren't the only ones having difficulties with their new found genetic knowledge at the beginning of the 20th century, the Australians were at a bit of it too. The difference, and it's not a slight one, is that the Aussies determined to eradicate mixed-races by separation ("and after three generations the Aboriginal features are extinguished!" declares Kenneth Branagh with a combination of relief and glee) and promoting the "mixed" children from savages to servants. It's clear that they honestly believe that they're doing everyone a big favor, and are quite pleased with themselves (why does that evoke Henry Kissinger and Ronald Dumsfeld?-I don't think even this perverse pattern defense fits). Nothing to brag about anyway, but better than gas chambers. Sad that you would have to couch an argument in those terms, in a Christian country, fully 2000 years after Jesus. This is a true story, and the closing shots of the "real" people are the most moving in a film that does not want for moving pictures. Ambiguity enthusiasts keep an eye on David Gulpilil (Moodoo, the tracker), you shall be well rewarded.
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