This movie isn't perfect, but if you're looking for a crowd-pleasing good time this is without a doubt the movie to see this spring. This movie is infectiously fun and touching, with great performances across the board. Chris O'Dowd proves himself to be a capable leading man and all four of the female leads are great. I especially loved Jessica Mauboy and Deborah Mailman, who were both the standouts of the group. The soundtrack is fantastic as well. I could have done with some more character development and the ending felt a bit rushed, but for the most part this movie is a delight. Definitely worth checking out, and if expanded with care Weinstein could have a sleeper on their hands. This movie is completely mainstream accessible. A-

Mauboy has done well for herself after being runner-up in Australian Idol 7 or 8 years ago.

What a treat!

The Sapphires is a real gem.

A groovin', underdog, retro musical that brings grrrrlll power to bear on everything from racism to sexism carried by that smooth sixties soul sound and it's ultra charming cheesy melodrama.

The rare movie that I wanted to watch again a second time straight away, right after it had finished for the first time.


89 out of 5.

I found this film, the fact derived story of Indigenous Australian sisters who form a singing group, entertaining, but also frustrating. In general, I wish it were longer, more ambitious, and more curious. There is so much intriguing and rich content here, from the state of race relations in Australia in the 1960s to the experiences of female entertainers on the ground in Vietnam during the war, but the film, which lasts around 90 minutes, is always rushing to the next crowd-pleasing moment, and it lets an inordinate amount of potential slip through its fingers. One might say it is audience conscious and well-oiled to a fault. More time and thought could even be devoted to parts of the core musical storyline, such as the girls' transition from quaint country music to a sexier and more vibrant brand of R&B/soul. Having said this, it is hard to stay angry with a film so charming and light, so full of wonderful music, and featuring at least four or five highly capable performances, including one by the always amiable Chris O'Dowd. It is, despite its shortcomings, a sweetly pleasant viewing experience, and I am a tad surprised Harvey Weinstein failed to turn it into a significant sleeper hit during its theatrical run.

B-

A-

Oh man, I went in with absolutely no expectations and came out hugely satisfied. It plays a lot by the numbers, but the leading ladies are simply delightful, the singing is very strong and this is one of the few films, in which I found Chris O'Dowd not just tolerable, but really likable and funny. The real stars and the heart of the film are, however, Deborah Mailman and Jessica Mauboy. This felt a bit like an Australian version of Dreamgirls, but even more fun and touching. More people should see this film.