Review of The Sapphires (2012) by Glenn C — 04 Mar 2013

I don't think there's much you can fault about The Sapphires. It delivers exactly what you expect and gives a little more. Based on a stage-musical, inspired by the real Sapphires it tells the story of 4 indigenous women from outback Australia who get discovered by a Irish talent scout (Chris O'Dowd) and find themselves whisked away to perform for the troops in Vietnam.

Their story has been described as an Aussie "Dreamgirls" and the film's formula toes a familiar, yet reliable line. The 1960s era is captured really well and the Vietnam portion of the film is exceptionally effective.

Every performance is rock solid with Deborah Mailman and Chris O'Dowd being the obvious stand-outs. Mailman who is 40 in real life looks incredible and you'd swear she was in her mid to late 20s.

Although it pains me I do have to give kudos to Jessica Mauboy who offers another genuinely entertaining performance. She shines! I have no doubt that a lot of liberties were taken to tell their story but I couldn't care less because The Sapphires is a fun, upbeat and thoroughly entertaining film.