"A Stunning Look into the History DownUnder" | 2009-10-27 |
| - Reviewed By User: AHPEO477A49KH |
| This is a terrific story about 2 girls who are plucked from their aboriginal families by white people who were intent on educating them and teaching them "culture" -- it's about ethnic cleansing really. The little girls have other ideas and take off on a long journey following the rabbit-proof fence. It is their journey and it is a true story. And at the end of the movie, don't turn it off! Stay tuned for a gem of a surprise ... and have a tissue handy. |
| |
"Wrong Movie In The Package" | 2009-10-20 |
| - Reviewed By User: AAS76BREFB12B |
First, let me start by writing that I did order this movie back in December of 2008. I actually ordered 2. I sent one to my sister and one was for myself. My sister enjoyed the movie which I knew she would however, I did not open my DVD package right away. Since I had already seen the movie and enjoyed it so much I wanted to have one in my collection. Fast forward to September 26, 2009: "Girls' Night Out" at my house which was "movie night" and I open the Rabbit Proof Fence DVD and yes, there was a DVD in there just not the one I ordered.
I did not look at the DVD disk as I was putting it into the DVD player. Imagine my surprise when the previews were for Chinese Martial Arts films. I skipped to the movie which also was a Chines Maritial Arts film. I was embrassed and disappointed that the movie I thought was suppose to be in the DVD package was not. I had shared with my friends what a great movie, Rabbit Prood Fence is and then did not have it to view.
No bad reviews for the movie just Amazon's and the movie distributer's service. Since this happened after I had placed my last order with Amazon right now I am now so sure I will order from Amazon again. Since it was ten months ago that I had ordered the DVD I don't have the receipt so I did not return it. I gave the Marital Arts DVD to my husband who already has it. Bummer! |
| |
"To Karl Baxter" | 2009-09-28 |
| - Reviewed By User: ARCGG9FB0N66E |
| This is directed to Karl, I read several of your reviews and I have come to the conclusion that you have a black white problem or is it deeper?. If the events documented in a film are factual then deal with it. It does not mean that every white person is a monster and set out to conquer other races. I wonder how you feel about films dealing with the holocaust. It would be very interesting to have a discussion with you. You need to get out more and surround yourself with people, preferably people of different ethnic backgrounds who do not just subscribe to your point of view. I am still trying to get my head around how you got something racial out of the movie Hitch. |
| |
"Review with comentary on the aborignines culture and religion." | 2009-09-06 |
| - Reviewed By User: A3UO7I3ZHOOGPB |
Rabbit-Proof Fence is a movie about the struggles of three racially mixed sisters, known as half castes. The girls were born to pure Australian Aborigine mothers in the northern territory of Jigalong. During the early to mid 20th centaury Australia had policies which forced the Aborigine to assimilate into western culture. These polices where mostly aimed at the half-castes in an effort to prevent the formation of a new race.
The three girls are removed from their mother's custody, and placed into a Catholic orphanage where they would be taught the duties and responsibilities they would need to be efficient workers. They were forbidden to speak their native tongue and taught to worship the Christian god and saints. In the story the girls decide to walk back to their home, a 9 week journey through the Australian bush, while evading a tracker and the authorities.
The Aborigine culture and religion is one that is sovereign with nature. Their people are fully exposed to the natural elements. They use a minimal amount of technology, which has allowed them to master the natural environment without creating a new environment. Their values in nature gave rise to a belief divine spirits within nature, such as the bird that inspired Molly to move on. Moreover the Aborigine also believes that their ancestor's spirits can be reincarnated into nature.
|
| |
"Indigenous strife and religion" | 2009-09-06 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2TOXXXI6QOT1T |
This movie takes place in western Australia 1931 where the government gave themselves power over the aboriginal people. The story focuses on Molly, Daisy and Gracie, half-caste children who are seized from their parents and sent to a "camp" or "school" where they are put to work and taught Christian songs and practices. They run away from this establishment they are forced to inhabit. They follow this rabbit-proof fence that runs the length of the country back to their family. The enjoyable movie follows the simple story of these strong young girls as they try and make their way home.
Religion is a central focus of this lovely story. These people are persecuted for their different color skin and religious ways. The great spirituality of these people is displayed in the chants and prayers they say to get the children home and help them on their way. Their belief in Animism is represented by the spirit eagle their mother teaches them about and it comforts them in their journey home. |
| |
"A harrowing tale" | 2009-09-04 |
| - Reviewed By User: AM5V9WYP9O4YQ |
This is a harrowing tale of three little girls who were ripped away from their mothers and their long journey home. In the beginning of the movie we are introduced to Molly, Grace, and Daisy who are being taught to hunt and live off the land by their Aboriginal Mothers. The Mothers warn the girls to hide when they see a white officer arrive. The girls have to hide because they were half white and half aboriginal, or as they are called in the movie "half-caste".
In 1905 The Aborigines Act was passed. "Under this law, the Chief Protector is made the legal guardian of every Aboriginal and 'half-caste' child under 16 years old" ([...]). In the movie the Chief Protector, A.O. Neville, uses his power to remove any half-caste child from their families. He honestly thinks he is helping the children by doing this. The way he sees it, he is providing them food, shelter, schooling, and a path to God or at least his version thereof. He fails to recognize the Aboriginal way of spirituality as an alternative. The Aborigines people on the other hand don't mind the presence of the white man and seem to get along just fine with them as long as they don't interfere. The missionaries' lack of understanding different religious cultures is to their detriment as Molly displays courage in running away from the compound with her sister and cousin and adeptness at surviving in the harsh conditions they face on their journey to find the Rabbit Proof Fence and home. She is able to elude capture utilizing skills she learned from her people, the Aboriginal people, skills that serve her well and connected her with the earth and her spiritual side. Molly's ability left even Mr. Neville acknowledging that she was a clever girl.
I was shocked to learn that Australia had such a similar repressive history when compared to the rest of the world. I had no idea that slavery existed there nor that they had laws allowing half white children to be ripped from their families, some even as babies. On the other hand I was moved by Molly's determination to get home despite the circumstances. The girls walked in the same clothing and shoes for 9 weeks, drinking from grass wells in the desert, sleeping on dirt, eating what they could find and what was offered by strangers. I think many people today would give up in the face of such harsh circumstances, but these girls pressed on. It just shows you what will, wits and determination can get you in life. I came away from this movie with a new appreciation for my comforts at home. |
| |