Genre: Comedy, musical, Vietnam war, Aborignes
Rating: PG 99' Mild violence, themes, coarse language and sexual references
Cast:Jessica Mauboy(Bran Nue Dae), Deborah Mailman(Rabbit Proof Fence), Chris O’Dowd(Bridesmaids), Shari Sebbens, Miranda Tapsell
Director: Wayne Blair
The Sapphires is set in the heady days of the late ‘60s when four young, talented singers from a remote Aboriginal mission, are discovered by an unlikely talent scout. Plucked from obscurity and branded as Australia's answer to The Supremes, The Sapphires grasp the chance of a lifetime when they're offered their first real gig - entertaining the troops in Vietnam. For the girls, a whole new world of friendship, love, war and soul opens before them.
The Sapphires is an adaptation of the hugely successful Australian stage musical of the same name, and is inspired by the remarkable true story of writer Tony Briggs' mother and her family. The Sapphires boasts a great story full of love, laughter and tears, set against the backdrop of the social upheaval of the 1960s.
The only Australian feature film in the Official Selection at Canne this year.
Reviews:
“A jewel-bright charmer about four spunky indigenous women whose powerhouse voices catapulted them onto the 60s-era world stage as Australia's answer to the Supremes.” Meghan Lehmann Hollywood Reporter
“This is uncomplicated, educative stuff - quintessential school-trip cinema - but O'Dowd elevates every scene he is in, which is most of them.” Robbie Collin Daily Telegraph
“Soul music's alleged redemptive powers are fully at work in this ….. vastly appealing true-life musical comedy.” Guy Lodge Variety
If you liked….Bran Nue Day or Dream Girls…you will love THE SAPPHIRES