Jackson Booth-Millard
I knew the leading actor starring in this film, that it was something to do with a group of singers, and that it was well rated by critics, it is an Australian film based on the stage play of the same name, I was looking forward to it. Basically set in 1968 Australia, in the Cummeragunja Reserve, indigenous Australian sisters Gail (Rabbit-Proof Fence's Deborah Mailman) and Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell) enter a talent competition in the local town, their younger sister Julie (Jessica Mauboy), who has just had a baby and is considered too young, also bribes her way in to join them. The girls are initially unwelcome for being black, they perform a country song on stage, some of the audience so respond positively, including alcoholic, Irish talent scout Dave Lovelace (Chris O'Dowd). The girls lose the talent contest, but approach Dave, Julie hands him a piece of paper advertising for singers to perform to the troops in Vietnam, he agrees to become their agent and get them an audition. Dave tells them they have been granted an audition spot in Melbourne, Gail, Cynthia and Julie travel there, where they meet their cousin Kay, she initially turns down the chance to join the group but changes her mind. After days of practising their moves, switching from country to soul music, they are almost ready, until Julie gives Cynthia a letter from her fiancé that he is calling off the wedding. Despite this, they manage to audition very well, there is still concern about their choice of name, the Cummeragunja Song Birds, until Kay looks at Cynthia's engagement ring, she comes up with their new name, The Sapphires. The group soon become a success with the crowds but fighting within the group threatens to tear them apart; Gail being the aggressive matriarch, and Kay struggling with her multi-ethnic identity. Julie proves to be the best voice of the group and may have the opportunity to have a successful solo singing career, while Gail and Dave begin a romantic relationship, but Gail's patience is pushed to the limit by his reckless behaviour and a personal secret. The Sapphires do another gig, Cynthia drinks with some men and is not allowed on again, this causes further tension within the group. Later, Dave and Gail are talking, he hands her a letter to open later, they are about to kiss when they are caught in a crossfire of war, Dave disappears in the chaos and gets shot. The girls escape in a helicopter, Gail reads Dave's letter at home, it details that he wanted to propose to her, but it was her choice. The girls band together to finish their tour, Dave survived the shooting, he is reunited with Gail in a Vietnamese hospital. The Sapphires return to Australia, where the rest of the family are told about Gail and Dave's plan to marry, and the group give a joyous performance for friend and family in the yard. Also starring Tory Kittles as Robby, Eka Darville as Hendo, Lynette Narkle as Nanny Theresa, Kylie Belling as Geraldine, Gregory J. Fryer as Selwyn and Don Battee as Myron Ritchie. The actresses give good performances and are really good at singing, but O'Dowd is arguably the star of the show, stealing nearly every scene with his sarcastic snappy personality, the Motown soundtrack of songs work well, there is poignancy with stuff about racism and the war, and it has good heartfelt humour, it is just a nice feel-good musical comedy. Good!
grantss
Outback Australia, late-1960s. An Irish entertainer, Dave Lovelace, is working as an MC at a small pub. He is impressed by a trio of Aboriginal women who sang country tunes in a pub competition. Seeing an advert for musicians needed to entertain the troops in Vietnam, he convinces them to try out for the gig. Their cousin in Melbourne also joins the band. One thing - they will sing soul music. Sweet, energetic movie with great music. Plot is okay, though a bit cheesy and formulaic. Some scenes feel contrived - the race issues and discussions, while necessary and relevant, often seem to be jammed into the plot without much context. The basic set up of the movie - manager convinces bunch of struggling musicians to switch to soul music, rest is history - feels very derivative of The Commitments, especially as the manager is Irish.This all said, it is well-intentioned, is never dull and has a great energy and vibrancy. Some good humour too. Despite all the flaws you don't mind so much, due to the innocence and energy of it all.Best of all, the music is great. Many soul classics, performed and recorded well.
malle99-101-862075
It is unrealistic, and just plain stupid.and the songs are absolute sh**. the story is just stupid and f*****. please do not waste 103 minutes of your time and avoid this movie!It is both racist to the Aboriginals and insulting to the Australian people. The acting is f***** horrible and nearly makes me spew. it is very hard to believe this even made to the cinema and DVD, it deserves no awards or any grossing money it got. This movie has no entertaining bits in it, nor good music or acting. avoid this movie at all costs DO NOT WATCH
SnoopyStyle
It's 1968 in Cummeragunja Reserve, Australia. Dave Lovelace (Chris O'Dowd) is a drunken piano player brought in for a local singing contest. Aboriginals Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell), Gail (Deborah Mailman), Julie (Jessica Mauboy) comes to town but rampant racism persist. Dave and the girls decide to go play shows in Vietnam. The forth member Kay (Shari Sebbens) was taken away as a child to the residential school. The four girls have success, and struggle as they entertain the US troops.The story is an interesting insight into the struggle and racism in Australia. The best thing is that it shines a bit of light on the racist past. I like the girls. The singing is fine. Chris O'Dowd is a good actor. Deborah Mailman does a terrific job as the toughest girl.
