The Sapphires

Overview

We all know Australians can make some pretty outstanding comedies. While girl band flick The Sapphires probably won't have you quoting one liners a la The Castle, it's still a very energetic part comedy, part historical drama, part musical, part damn good time.

This film is based on the true story of the McCrae sisters, Gail (Deborah Mailman), Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell) and Julie (Jessica Mauboy) who grow up on a rural Aboriginal mission settlement dreaming of making it big singing Country and Western tunes. Then in 1968, during the Vietnam War, they meet Irish rogue Dave Lovelace (Chris O'Dowd). He recognises their talent despite their awful taste in music and manages to convince them they should switch to soul music.

When Julie pulls out a newspaper ad looking for musical groups to tour Vietnam, a group complete with manager is born. After an audition in Melbourne and the addition of a fourth member from the McCrae clan, estranged cousin Kay (Shari Sebbens), the Sapphires jet off to prove their musical credence to the boys in uniform.

The music from here on in just gets better and better as the girls hone their style and grow in confidence. Unsurprisingly, they are an instant hit with the soldiers and rumours of their sexy, sassy performances spread like wildfire. The chemistry between O'Dowd and Mailman is electric and they play their flawed characters to perfection. The other girls and their soldier beaus are not always so solid in their delivery but Tapsell's portrayal of Cynthia, whose vivacious nature pushes the limits of decency in the eyes of the other girls, is highly entertaining.

What struck me about this theatre production turned film is how well it maintains the balance between keeping the focus on the girls' musical and personal journeys while also paying respect to the historical period in which it is set.

The girls are accustomed to experiencing racism. They don't win the talent quest where they meet Dave, purely they aren't white. There is a rift between Kay and Gael because when she was little she was taken by government officials and forced to live with a family who taught her 'white ways'. These events are only touched on, it's not Rabbit Proof Fence recreated, but it is good to see acknowledgement of this dark period in Australian history.

The sisters, as excited as they are to be receiving their big break, are also aware of the dangers they face touring a country at war. While travelling in army vehicles, a peek through the canvas reveals casualties and devastation and an intimate concert they perform to wounded soldiers, some of whom have lost limbs, makes for very poignant watching.

Aboriginal director Wayne Blair's debut film is infectious in its energy and spirit of hope. It's got all kinds of soul, romance, humour and pathos. It's about fighting for a chance and succeeding against the extreme odds. The bond the girls developed during filming comes out crystal clear in their performances - doing justice to the original story of this very special family history.