This was the film for our monthly film and discussion night yesterday - the story of three half caste aborigine girls in the 30s who were taken from their family to be "reclaimed" as whites by being educated for domestic service in a colony set up for the purpose and under the direction of a model of colonial service rectitude and certainty played by Kenneth Branagh. Most of the film follows their escape and 1200 mile walk home - along the eponymous fence - avoiding the efforts of police and others to recapture them, and across some incredibly bleak as well as incredibly beautiful landscape. Not only is it a true story, but two of the child protagonists appear at the end as themselves, now old but indomitable women, having spent their lives fighting to maintain their identity against an establishment which only rescinded the half-caste policy in the 70s.
Our discussion after the film ranged over other colonial horrors, racism and issues about living in multicultural south London - but for me the most powerful message of the film came from the Branagh character, who was portrayed in the absolute certainty that he was doing the best thing for the children (recognising their immediate distress he tried to jolly them out of it) as well as for the community: to coin a phrase, he knew he was right. It's very clear to us, with hindsight, that this was a barbaric policy barbarically executed: what will be said of us in 70 years time? We know only too well what we are doing in some areas (the environment springs to mind), but seem powerless to stop - but are there things we are proud of and sure about that will seem as clearly wrong to our grandchildren as this policy now does to us.....?
Missed this when it came round via "flicks in the sticks" in our past life...and regret this from your account.
I'm also intrigued by the thought of a monthly film discussion group...do tell us a bit more about how it operates, as I could see this might work in these parts too.
Posted by: Kathryn | June 13, 2005 at 12:36 PM