The Sapphires

Adapted from a play I saw a few years back at Belvoir Street Theatre, 'The Sapphires' is inspired by the true story of four young and naive Aboriginal women who formed a soul singing group and entertained US troops in Vietnam in 1968. Given the topic and the times - only a year earlier white Australians had voted 'yes' in a referendum, that changed the wording of the Australian Constitution and effectively counted Aborigines as part of the population for the first time - the subject matter is rich in the history of disadvantage affecting indigenous Australians. Additionally the Vietnam war polarised Australians and to this day is a source of bitter memories for many.

Like the play, the film focusses on the upbeat aspects of the women's experiences. The discrimination they suffered is not ignored - it is represented in some powerful moments - but the film remains primarily in the feel good category.

The four actors, Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens and Miranda Tapsell are all excellent. They receive strong support from Irish actor Chris O'Dowd as their inebriated manager and from a host of terrific performers in the 'minor' roles; 'minor' in terms of screen time not in terms of importance.

I was moved to see images of the four actual women of the story displayed with the end credits.

A delightful film.

☆☆☆☆