Wayne Blair’s “The Sapphires” is the story of four young Aboriginal sisters who come together with the help of a talent scout, Dave Lovelace (Chris O’Dowd) to form a soul group in 1968. They jump on the opportunity to travel to Viet Nam where they entertain the American troupes amidst danger and adventure.
What we have here is a totally conventional, unoriginal but nevertheless somewhat entertaining true-story from Australia. It is in the same vein as “The Commitments”, another story of a soul group of youngsters.
There is also critique of Australian society at the time: in the beginning we learn that certain Aboriginal children who were more fair-skinned than their brethren were taken by force from their families to live with white families in the surrounding cities. This is what happens to one of the young girls who would later go onto form the singing group. This girl is Kay (Shari Sebbens). We see the other three girls going to find her in Melbourne because they respect her talent and need her for the group.
The other three girls are sisters named Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell), Gail (Deborah Mailman) and Julie (Jessica Mauboy). All four girls have their own flaws and strengths and it is these characteristics that help them to gel and form a cohesive group. Dave Lovelace discovers them singing country songs in a talent contest at a hotel. He immediately recognizes their talent but stresses the need to refocus that talent and boundless energy into the singing of soul music.
When the chance to travel to Viet Nam comes up, the group auditions and is accepted to perform there much to their delight. Once in Saigon, the girls start performing and growing as individuals. They meet men, sing, and some of the girls begin romantic relationships with American soldiers. There are also moments of worry and danger that inevitably arise in the war-torn atmosphere.
The music in this film is addictive and enjoyable. The characters are interesting and amusing. There are funny moments and critique of Australian society. This is not a very complex or deep film and it is quite conventional but it has its charm and admirable qualities. If you’re looking for a light but entertaining true-story with good music, this one may be for you.
***/****
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