Manganinnie is an Australian film from 1980 that tells the story of a young Tasmanian Aboriginal girl, Joanna (played by Mawuyul Yanthalawuy), who is taken by a white woman named Sarah (Anna Ralph) and her family to live with them. Set in the early 1800s, the film explores themes of colonialism, cultural erasure, and the impact of these on individual lives.
The film begins with scenes depicting the harsh realities of life for the Tasmanian Aboriginal people. Joanna is shown living with her family in a traditional village, hunting and gathering for food, and participating in cultural traditions. However, her world is turned upside down when a group of white soldiers arrives and begins rounding up Aboriginal people to be moved to a government settlement. Joanna's parents are among those taken, and she narrowly escapes by hiding in the bush. As she wanders through the wilderness, she meets Manganinnie (Phillip Hinton), an older woman who has also fled the soldiers.
Manganinnie becomes a surrogate mother figure to Joanna, teaching her survival skills and guiding her on a journey through the landscape. Along the way, they encounter other Tasmanian Aboriginal people who are also on the run, and the group must navigate the challenges of living in a hostile environment while avoiding capture by the soldiers. Manganinnie shares stories of her own life and culture with Joanna, who is fascinated by her wisdom and knowledge.
Eventually, Joanna is discovered and taken by Sarah and her husband, who are settlers in the region. They take her back to their home, where she is given a new name (Mary) and forced to assimilate to their way of life. Joanna struggles to adapt to this new environment, which is vastly different from her experiences growing up with her own people. Sarah tries to teach her how to read and write and introduces her to Christianity, but Joanna remains homesick and disoriented. She has dreams and visions of Manganinnie and the life she used to lead before being taken from her family.
The film ends with Joanna running away from Sarah's home, determined to find her way back to her own people. She faces many obstacles along the way, including encounters with dangerous animals and soldiers who are hunting for her. However, her strong will and determination keep her going, and she eventually finds herself reunited with her family.
Manganinnie is a powerful film that explores issues of cultural identity, oppression, and resistance. It offers a stark portrayal of the impact of colonialism on Indigenous communities and their ways of life, while also celebrating the resilience and strength of the people who were able to survive and resist. The performances of the actors are outstanding, particularly Mawuyul Yanthalawuy, who brings a depth and nuance to her portrayal of Joanna. The film's cinematography is also striking, capturing the beauty and danger of the Tasmanian wilderness.
Overall, Manganinnie is a moving and thought-provoking film that offers a poignant reflection on the legacy of colonialism and its ongoing impact on Aboriginal people in Australia. It is a must-see for anyone interested in Australian history, Indigenous cultures, or the power of film to tell important stories.
Manganinnie is a 1980 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.
