The Sapphires (2012) Chris O'Dowd, Deborah Mailman, Tanika Lonesborough, Jessica Mauboy, Miah Madden, Shari Sebbens Movie Review

The Sapphires (2012)   4/54/54/54/54/5


Chris O'Dowd in The Sapphires (2012)

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1968 and the world was a turbulent place with protests, assassination and Vietnam there was the war. But 1968 was the year that 3 aboriginal sisters and there cousin was spotted by music agent Dave Lovelace (Chris O’Dowd) who could recognize talent when the racists locals couldn't. With a vision and a passion for soul, Dave becomes their manager and takes them to Vietnam to entertain the troops as the Australian version of The Supremes.

I know when a movie is good because it makes me forget I am watching it as a movie reviewer and reminds me of what it is like to watch a movie for the fun of it. And that is what "The Sapphires" did; it made me forget to take notes and just kept me amused from start to finish with entertaining characters and great music as well as an entertaining storyline. The thing is that "The Sapphires" isn't really anything new at times reminded me of "The Commitments" thanks to its soul influence.

The Sapphires (2012)

The thing is that "The Sapphires" is simple as it is the trials and tribulations of these 4 aboriginal girls and their manager as they try to make it as a band. Along the way there is romance, racial issues, comedy, violence as well as cultural history and it is so nicely put together that despite feeling familiar it draws you in. And when you get to the musical scenes with the girls singing or in one scene Chris O'Dowd ripping a few lyrics out it is like being transported back to when the great music was being made. Now I know am being vague but that is because "The Sapphires" is one of those movies which need to be experienced to be enjoyed.

What this all boils down to is that if you have enjoyed other movies about soul bands and their road to success the chances are you going to enjoy "The Sapphires". Not because it does anything special but everything it does works.


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