The Sapphires
Winter 2013 Features series
Sunday, April 28, 2013 at 4:00pm
Sunday, April 28, 2013 at 7:00pm
Acadia Cinema's Al Whittle Theatre
450 Main Street, Wolfville, NS
Directed by Wayne Blair
Screenplay by Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson
Starring Chris O'Dowd, Deborah Mailman, and Jessica Mauboy
Rated NR ·
1h 43m
Australia
English
The Sapphires
First-time filmmaker Wayne Blair brings us a wildly entertaining musical comedy in the tradition of Strictly Ballroom and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Based on the smash 2004 Australian play by Tony Briggs (who co-wrote the screenplay), The Sapphires was inspired by the true story of Briggs’ mother and aunt, who sang in an all-Aboriginal female soul quartet that entertained American troops during the Vietnam War.
Set in 1968, the story begins with sisters Gail (Deborah Mailman, Bran Nue Dae, Rabbit Proof Fence), Diana (Jessica Mauboy, Bran Nue Dae), and Cynthia (newcomer Miranda Tapsell) entering a local talent competition in an outback pub, where their moving rendition of a Merle Haggard classic outclasses the tone-deaf competition but fails to win over the racist judges. One man is impressed, however: boozy Irish emcee Dave Lovelace (Chris O’Dowd, Bridesmaids), a would-be music promoter with an ear for raw talent. He convinces the girls to swap their sleepy country standards for soul music, promising to turn them into stars. Recruiting their long-estranged cousin Kay (Shari Sebbens) as a fourth member, the girls soon sing their way from the far-flung Australian outback to Southeast Asia and a tour of war-torn Vietnam.
Filled with show-stopping renditions of classic Motown hits that showcase the phenomenal voice of Mauboy (an Australian Idol alumnus), The Sapphires deftly mixes sparkling humour with serious drama, a delicate balance maintained not least by O’Dowd’s charisma and lackadaisical charm. Featuring stunning period recreations and gorgeous cinematography by Warwick Thornton, The Sapphires is a rousing film that hits all the right notes.
“A good hearted crowd pleaser that offers undemanding entertainment. The strength of the film lies in the winning performances – especially that of Chris O’Dowd, who brings a lost puppy appeal.” (Louise Keller, Andrew L. Urban, Urban Cinefile)