It's 1968, and four young, talented Australian Aboriginal girls learn about love, friendship and war when their all girl group The Sapphires entertain the US troops in Vietnam.
Despite an undeniable shambolic charm, the result, while not exactly off-key, could’ve cleaned up its act before it went on the road.
A feelgooder spiced by social conscience, this is one of those underdog productions with potential to punch well above its weight. Go on, give it a chance.
The Sapphires, an odd sort of cross between Dreamgirls and Good Morning Vietnam, is not really a very original film, but then, where musical dramas are concerned that never seems to matter much at the box office.
Without going anywhere unexpected or telling us anything new, The Sapphires is a sparky number, and its vitality is appealing. Another couple of script polishes before filming and it would have really shone.
A likable, uneven feelgood movie.
The cast are immensely likeable, which makes the poverty of ambition in telling the story all the more galling.
A rousing, feel-good musical drama.
It may be slightly lacking in the soul department, but The Sapphires has heart to spare.
Feel-good frolic.
The drama is pretty limp, the character studies pretty broad, but the singing and choreography are first-rate, and whenever it threatens to sag O'Dowd's fond foolery is usually on hand to give it some crackle.
Missed opportunities come thick and fast.
The general feel-good vibe is enough to make you forgive the creaky dialogue and the shoehorning in of the Vietnam tragedy every time the plot gets too Gruyere and requires a dose of realism.
The Sapphires shines light on Aboriginal Australia
Giving voice to a glittering tale
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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