‘THE SAPPHIRES’: AN EMOTIONAL DRAMA ABOUT FOLLOWING A DREAM


Some of those unknown movies take me forever to finally watch. Others I see in haste. This film is one I didn’t see, but remembering someone praising it once, finally I did decide to give The Sapphires, an Australian production, a chance.

The Sapphires (2012) Film Review

Since they were little girls, three have been singing together. Now, they enter local talent competitions in the hopes of being famous. Most especially is this true of Julie (Jessica Mauboy), the youngest and most determined. Trouble is, her parents won’t let her join her older sisters. Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell), the dramatic one wondering how her fiancé could leave someone pretty like her while Gail (Deborah Mailman) is the eldest and most sensible. For their latest show, they leave behind Julie and compete. Only Julie winds up at the show. When they don’t win, Julie, the one with the real vocal talent, decides it’s time to take some action. She talks the loser piano player (Chris O’Dowd) into becoming their manager and to take them to Vietnam as entertainers for the troops.

With a bit of work and the addition of their cousin, Kay (Shari Sebbens), whom Gail doesn’t get along with, the girl’s are off to Saigon all with stars in their eyes.

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Full of creative moments and lots of music, this 2012 indie film is really quite sweet. It’s inspired by a true story (always a good sign) and is actually written by one of the women (and her son) whose story inspires this. What makes it better is the sister and friendship bonds. I do feel as though we could have gotten to know everyone better, but there’s still personality here as we learn who everyone is (or rather their role) within the group.

There’s lots to like about The Sapphires. It’s a period drama for one and there’s a hint of romance here and there for another. The cast is quite good and there’s moments of laughter as well as tears. There’s fun music and when there is the little moments of romance, they’re pretty good. Plus, all around this film has strong family ties that while not perfect, do heal through the film.

The Sapphires is a film of finding pride in hard work, sadness and joy. It’s a solid and charming film that I thoroughly did enjoy.


Content: there’s some sexual innuendo (nothing terrible) and making out (it’s unclear whether or not one girl sleeps with someone; there is an out-of-wedlock baby). There’s some war violence and social drinking. The film is PG-13.

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About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

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3 Comments

  1. It may have been me that praised it. I watched it in the past year or two and really enjoyed it. I’m glad you were able to experience this little gem.

    1. I love to see your recommendations and it probably was! I saw it a while back too and had it sitting in my email (I now send my reviews to myself after losing EVERYTHING i.e. my writing a while back) and figured, why not finally post this!? It is lovely and took a turn or two I didn’t expect. :)

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