What starts off looking like another mainstream, feel-good Aussie film seems to improve with every scene, culminating in a strong climax that surprises the viewer with the amount of emotion they have invested in the film and its characters. Yes, The Sapphires is wholly commercial in nature, combining a stock script with an easily digestible plot, but it grasps to an undertone of sheer fun that makes the one hundred minute runtime absolutely fly by.
The period piece tells the story of four Aboriginal singers (Jessica Mauboy, Deborah Mailman, Shari Sebbens and Miranda Tapsell) and their off- centre manager (Chris O'Dowd), who travel across Vietnam performing for the military. Along the way, they all learn a thing to two about the joys of life and the horrors of war.
O'Dowd and Mauboy are the standouts, albeit for very different reasons. The Irishman's comedic timing is excellent, and his infusion into each scene immediately makes it more enjoyable, particularly when the dialogue falters into clunky territory. The Sapphires is never uproarious, but O'Dowd certainly contributes more than his fair share of audible laughs.
Meanwhile, Mauboy takes full advantage of the film's musical arc, traversing the gap between Top 40 pop and genre-defining soul with ease, and bringing much energy to the film's already rollicking soundtrack.
Being a dramedy, the film cannot solely rest on its average comedic laurels, and cracks start to appear when director Wayne Blair tries to develop meaningful conflict between key characters. It all feels slightly hackneyed, and the speedy resolution of each issue gives the impression of Blair wanting to move on as quickly as possible, perhaps himself being aware of the film's lack of depth in that respect. That is, until a generally well- executed final act that leaves a sweet taste in the viewer's mouth. The lone special feature is a casual look at the making of the film.
*There's nothing I love more than a bit of feedback, good or bad. So drop me a line on jnatsis@iprimus.com.au and let me know what you thought of my review. If you're looking for a writer for your movie website or other publication, I'd also love to hear from you.*
The period piece tells the story of four Aboriginal singers (Jessica Mauboy, Deborah Mailman, Shari Sebbens and Miranda Tapsell) and their off- centre manager (Chris O'Dowd), who travel across Vietnam performing for the military. Along the way, they all learn a thing to two about the joys of life and the horrors of war.
O'Dowd and Mauboy are the standouts, albeit for very different reasons. The Irishman's comedic timing is excellent, and his infusion into each scene immediately makes it more enjoyable, particularly when the dialogue falters into clunky territory. The Sapphires is never uproarious, but O'Dowd certainly contributes more than his fair share of audible laughs.
Meanwhile, Mauboy takes full advantage of the film's musical arc, traversing the gap between Top 40 pop and genre-defining soul with ease, and bringing much energy to the film's already rollicking soundtrack.
Being a dramedy, the film cannot solely rest on its average comedic laurels, and cracks start to appear when director Wayne Blair tries to develop meaningful conflict between key characters. It all feels slightly hackneyed, and the speedy resolution of each issue gives the impression of Blair wanting to move on as quickly as possible, perhaps himself being aware of the film's lack of depth in that respect. That is, until a generally well- executed final act that leaves a sweet taste in the viewer's mouth. The lone special feature is a casual look at the making of the film.
*There's nothing I love more than a bit of feedback, good or bad. So drop me a line on jnatsis@iprimus.com.au and let me know what you thought of my review. If you're looking for a writer for your movie website or other publication, I'd also love to hear from you.*