The Sapphires, 2012.
Directed by Wayne Blair.
Starring Chris O’Dowd, Deborah Mailman, Shari Sebbens, Jessica Mauboy and Miranda Tapsell.
SYNOPSIS:
In 1968 an all-girl Aboriginal Australian singing group is discovered by a local talent competition compère. Making use of his devotion to soul music, he attempts to form them into a successful act. After impressing US military scouts, they travel to Vietnam to entertain the American troops…
Based on a play Inspired by a true story, The Sapphires is a genuine feel-good movie with heart, soul and a lot of laughs. It is a well balanced piece that always manages to keep its broad based appeal out of the reach of cheesiness with well aimed jokes, amusing performances and sharp writing. A well put-together soundtrack adds further shine and should come as great pleasure to any 60s or soul music fan.
Following the often calamitous adventures of four young Aboriginal sisters, the film keeps a tight hold of a light hearted sentimentality that remains despite the harsh realities of the Vietnam conflict in the late 1960s. Much of this is due to the strength of the comedic performances from the key players, in particular Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids, The IT Crowd) who’s joyously semi-intoxicated talent scout turned manager is wonderfully performed.
Equally good is Deborah Mailman’s turn as the passionate, belligerent and caring Gail, the sparring partner and love interest for the canny Irishman. The other sisters have less to do other than sing, joke and fight, but respond just as well with lively and upbeat roles.
By its very nature, most of the film takes place in the heartland of Vietnam and occasionally (in the last act, particularly) the humour and drama goes somewhat askew. It is mostly forgivable however, as for the most part the musical comedy works extremely well.
Amidst all of the jokes and the drongo this and the drongo that, there are some important political points addressed concerning the Vietnam conflict and issues about race and identity. This comes into play most successfully with the story of Kay (Shari Sebbens), a half sister to the other girls and of half-white mixed race parentage. The gradually calmed animosity shown to her by Gail is one of the film’s stronger dramatic arcs.
The singing and dancing is uniformly good and it is clear how the concept would have worked well on the stage. That fact does not detract from the film itself however, which is an entertaining and solidly inspiring film. Strongly recommended to fans of soul (with a soul).
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★
Robert W Monk is a freelance journalist and film writer.
Originally published March 5, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
