Inspired by real life events, The Sapphires tells the story of four talented Aboriginal singers (Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens, and Mirnada Tapsell) in the 1960's, shunned by their community because of the colour of their skin. Reluctantly taking on a drunken talent scout (Chris O'Dowd) as their manager, the newly dubbed Sapphires, find fame entertaining American troops in Vietnam.
There is an awful lot to like about this film. Anchored by some wonderful performances, it packs bucket loads of humour and charm, and it's cracking soundtrack of classics from the period adds to the enjoyment immensely. We've seen similar stories many times before, but it never feels stale here, and while the movie deals with issues of race and prejudice, it never feels heavy handed. The Vietnam setting feels underused, it's more a backdrop than anything else, but then again this is the girls' story, and dwelling on the war might have taken away from that. The story zips along at a steady pace, though the finale seems a bit too perfect, and many subplot are left dangling and feeling underwritten.
There are great performances all round, especially from Deborah Mailman, who gets a hefty chunk of character development as mother figure Gail, but Chris O'Dowd stole the show for me. He's great in everything he does, but in this, he really shows he has what it takes to be the leading man. He's a natural comic talent, nearly every line he delivers in this will have you chuckling, but he also shows some impressive dramatic chops as well.
I will admit it is slim pickings at the cinema the moment, but if you're in the mood for something to make you laugh and feel good, as well as have your toe tapping, The Sapphires is definitely worth your money.
There is an awful lot to like about this film. Anchored by some wonderful performances, it packs bucket loads of humour and charm, and it's cracking soundtrack of classics from the period adds to the enjoyment immensely. We've seen similar stories many times before, but it never feels stale here, and while the movie deals with issues of race and prejudice, it never feels heavy handed. The Vietnam setting feels underused, it's more a backdrop than anything else, but then again this is the girls' story, and dwelling on the war might have taken away from that. The story zips along at a steady pace, though the finale seems a bit too perfect, and many subplot are left dangling and feeling underwritten.
There are great performances all round, especially from Deborah Mailman, who gets a hefty chunk of character development as mother figure Gail, but Chris O'Dowd stole the show for me. He's great in everything he does, but in this, he really shows he has what it takes to be the leading man. He's a natural comic talent, nearly every line he delivers in this will have you chuckling, but he also shows some impressive dramatic chops as well.
I will admit it is slim pickings at the cinema the moment, but if you're in the mood for something to make you laugh and feel good, as well as have your toe tapping, The Sapphires is definitely worth your money.
