The Sapphires

From life to novel, to stage and now to the big screen, The Sapphires a story of four remarkable Aboriginal women who made it big.

Defying the blatant racism of Australia in the sixties, their racial stereotypes (and their mother), they doggedly pursued their dream to perform. They compete in a talent quest at a local pub, much to the disgust of the white patrons. And while they inevitably lose the competition, they win an admirer in Chris O'Dowd's Dave Lovelace. He becomes their manager and with his help they find their 'Soul', their groove, their estranged cousin and their destiny by singing to the soldiers in Vietnam.

This is a wonderful film that has broad appeal. It is funny, emotional, thought provoking and inspiring. Based on a true story it opens with the rich colours of the NSW outback and immediately warms your heart with humour and authentic love/hate relationship of sisters jostling for their own place in their family and their world. The cast is spearheaded by the magnificent Deborah Mailman who is superb throughout. Supported by newcomers Shari Sebbens and Miranda Tapsell as her sister and cousin - they croon together like molten sugar. But the true songbird is Jessica Mauboy whose vocals are the highlight of the show. O'Dowd's loveable and self deprecating humour creates balance with the girls' sharp tongued spunk. The chemistry and dialogue work a treat. The production values are high, and the soundtrack had me jiving in my seat (needless to say I have bought the soundtrack!).

The only major fault is that the journey is a bit bumpy in places, making me think it would have been better as a mini-series, but the story arc plays well overall. The horrors of the Vietnam conflict are kept to a minimum, but just enough was shown to underscore the senselessness of that war. However, injustice of Australia's Stolen Generation and the powerful theme of black rights comes across loud and clear.

The Sapphires is a tale of strength & weakness, of love & loyalty and of talent & ambition…and family. Told against the backdrop of the Australian bush and the Vietnamese jungle, it is a story everyone should know. Which makes me wonder why it has taken this latest incarnation for me to learn about these remarkable Australian women, who are leaders still today.

4 Stars.