The Sapphires Reviews

Our Review

Mauboy and Mailman shine in Aussie gem

Adam Bub, MovieFix

The critics at Cannes loved it, and now it's Australia's turn to embrace the toe-tapping, feel-good Australian musical comedy-drama, The Sapphires. With a stellar cast, an infectious soul soundtrack and a dynamic 1960s backdrop of revolution and rebellion, this vibrant gem is hard to resist.

Adapted from Tony Briggs' popular 2005 stage play, The Sapphires tells the incredible true story of four Aboriginal women from an isolated outback mission who form a girl group to perform for American troops during the Vietnam War in 1968.

Young mum Julie (Jessica Mauboy), "mama bear" oldest sister Gail (Deborah Mailman), serial flirt Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell) and fair-skinned Melbourne cousin Kay (Shari Sebbens) enlist Irish booze-hound (Chris O'Dowd) to manage them and get them up to scratch for their international tour.

In Saigon, the Sapphires experience the highs and lows of love and success amid the tumult of the Vietnam War, the American civil rights movement, and their own issues as young indigenous women.

Director Wayne Blair infuses The Sapphires with a ballsy, offbeat sense of humour that cuts through the sentiment, and strikes right to the heart of the rebellious spirit of the women and the music they sing.

Mauboy and Mailman are commanding screen presences, and they make a mint out of their characters Julie, the lead singer just discovering her voice (as a woman and singer), and Gail, the defensive "boss" of the group. Bridesmaids and The IT Crowd's O'Dowd is extremely likeable as their dopey manager Dave Lovelace.

You'll want to buy the soundtrack to listen again to songs like 'I Heard it Through the Grapevine', 'I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)', and 'What a Man'.

The script by Keith Thompson and Tony Briggs (the latter being the son of an original Sapphire), is a bit heavy-handed at times, hammering home messages about war and race relations that most viewers can sense without needing to be signposted.

Nevertheless, The Sapphires is often laugh-out-loud funny, constantly entertaining, and close to being a great Australian classic.

MovieFIX interview: Jessica Mauboy shows us her best crying face — watch now

Watch The Sapphires trailer here

Your Reviews

Sid Movies

Well done Australia , a movie that does not dumb down Australia . The 60's were a simplier time laden with complicated issues . The movie dealt with a number of issues that were portryed in a heartfelt manner. The way the indigeneous families were scripted was sensitive and clever I felt proud that the story was told . Should be a project for English students in our schools . Go see the movie you will want to shed a little tear at certain times , and feel good at the end a great story told by engaging actors with great screen prescence . The whole cast deserved a pay rise. Three Star plus hope it rates when the awards of Oz come around. Sid Movies^

Gillian

Great Movie! As all Australian movies are. Loved the singing and acting, so truely Aussie. Can't wait for it to come out on DVD, will certainly add it to my movie library!!!!!!!!

Lorraine

This should get movie of the year. Excellent

Maid Marion

Brilliant, seen it twice already and would go again

Gidget

Great to see everyone enjoyed it as much and myself and 4 friends that went to see this, Absolutely a beautiful film,.Had it all, Laughter, tears ,drama and great music. Acting was superb by all the cast. Loved that the audience showed their appreciation at the end of the movie with their applause. Thank you so much for bringing this story to film.

norma

I am often dissapointed with Aussiie movies but certain not this one. really enjoyed every minute of it. Please go see it, you won't be sorry.

emily

deadly movie made me laugh and cry well done would watch it over and over again [-0-]

Gary

Highly recomend, went in with no expectations and it had everything and more I would expect from a good Australian film, great cast, great story.

buddy

this movie is the bombz goes to show the wider non indigeneous society that there is talent not just sportz absolutely outstanding

Phil

Fantastic this movie grabs from the start , easily the best Aussie movie and up there with the yanks best. The audience laughed, cheered and clapped like we were at a live show.

Jodi

This was a great movie!! I went not knowing what to expect at all and loved loved loved it! An awesome Australian movie that was so refreshing! Was such a fantastic uplifting movie. Really loved that no one was photoshopped and over made up to look all Hollywood. These were ordinary people doing extraordinary acting! All looked beautiful without having to conform! Loved it. Cannot recommend highly enough!

Clara

[-o-] best movie ever loved every bit of it! im proud to call myself an aborigine! :))

jacko

What a great movie. Feel good, moving at times, paced perfectly. It will leave you with a smile on your face. Make sure you see it

Kay

I loved this film.. The girls are fabulous..The music is fabulous..well done Aussi film makers

Zelig

A terrific film at every level . Not to be missed!!!!!!!!

Amy

Absolutely amazing. Possibly the greatest Australian film ever... Hugely talented cast and an amazing soundtrack... A must see or everyone.

Vicki

Amazing movie, cried and laughed and cried. Music was great, my feet were tapping. Go see it but take plenty of tissues!!

nova-lee

bloody awesome movie, wanted to rewind n watch again , beautiful performances from all actors!!! well done xxx

Marilyn

Amazing laught out loud sometimes sad.... but not to be missed. Had the pleasure of being in the Verona Theatre at Paddington on Thursday night with a wonderful group of friends and an amazing introduction to the very sexy very intelligent very witty Director Wayne Blair

Sellyboo

It sounds so interesting! Maybe i coulddrag my dad to watch it with me :3

margaret maclellan

loved it

Chante

Excellent movie! Laughs, tears and truly moving moments. A must see for sure!

Pat

Great movie loved it laughed cried and sang out of tune to the music. MUST SEE

THE ABSOLUTE BEST MOVE, this is a must see

joe

whithout a doubt truly brilliant.

vivien

Best movie I've seen all year am going back to see it again this weekend

Kate

Best movie I have seen in a really long time. One of the best movies I have ever seen. Highly recommended.

maimie

Great movie. Good singing, good rythm, makes you laugh and makes you cry, just a little bit.

heather

a damn good movie. A must see. You wont be able to stop laughing, crying and dancing to the music.

Kay

I loved every minute and didn't want it to end....Don't miss this fun movie !!!

retagirl

awesome movie loved it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Emily

Great Movie for all, its a must see!

nova-M

Great feelgood movie - dont miss it !

Judy

what a great movie, I laughed, cried and tapped my feet all the way through a must see

ITS EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

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