Outback Australia, late-1960s. An Irish entertainer, Dave Lovelace, is working as an MC at a small pub. He is impressed by a trio of Aboriginal women who sang country tunes in a pub competition. Seeing an advert for musicians needed to entertain the troops in Vietnam, he convinces them to try out for the gig. Their cousin in Melbourne also joins the band. One thing - they will sing soul music. Sweet, energetic movie with great music. Plot is okay, though a bit cheesy and formulaic. Some scenes feel contrived - the race issues and discussions, while necessary and relevant, often seem to be jammed into the plot without much context. The basic set up of the movie - manager convinces bunch of struggling musicians to switch to soul music, rest is history - feels very derivative of The Commitments, especially as the manager is Irish.This all said, it is well-intentioned, is never dull and has a great energy and vibrancy. Some good humour too. Despite all the flaws you don't mind so much, due to the innocence and energy of it all.Best of all, the music is great. Many soul classics, performed and recorded well.

It is unrealistic, and just plain stupid.and the songs are absolute sh**. the story is just stupid and f*****. please do not waste 103 minutes of your time and avoid this movie!It is both racist to the Aboriginals and insulting to the Australian people. The acting is f***** horrible and nearly makes me spew. it is very hard to believe this even made to the cinema and DVD, it deserves no awards or any grossing money it got. This movie has no entertaining bits in it, nor good music or acting. avoid this movie at all costs DO NOT WATCH

It's 1968 in Cummeragunja Reserve, Australia. Dave Lovelace (Chris O'Dowd) is a drunken piano player brought in for a local singing contest. Aboriginals Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell), Gail (Deborah Mailman), Julie (Jessica Mauboy) comes to town but rampant racism persist. Dave and the girls decide to go play shows in Vietnam. The forth member Kay (Shari Sebbens) was taken away as a child to the residential school. The four girls have success, and struggle as they entertain the US troops.The story is an interesting insight into the struggle and racism in Australia. The best thing is that it shines a bit of light on the racist past. I like the girls. The singing is fine. Chris O'Dowd is a good actor. Deborah Mailman does a terrific job as the toughest girl.

"The Sapphires" is a look at Australia, and the world, in 1968. For those unaware of Australia's recent history, it is a fascinating look. The Whites didn't let the Aboriginals into their world, and now was when they were going to revolt. This movie is specifically about a singing group of four aboriginal sisters, who just wanted to sing.Success for them is hard to come by in Australia, but they meet up with a manager. Dave Lovelace (Chris O'Dowd) is a talent scout who is working himself out of business with his penchant for alcohol. But the girls have no one else to help them. O'Dowd provides the film with all of the humour in an otherwise serious drama.It has been said that 1968 was the year the world changed. And the film provides a very interesting point-of-view to that. In Australia, In the United States, and in Vietnam. Dave can secure the girls a tour in Vietnam. So they are off to the middle of a war-torn country seeking success and solace.Overall the story of The Sapphires, Australia's answer to The Supremes, is a happy and uplifting one. They face their fair share of hardships and dramatic upheavals, but if they can just sing, then a better Australia should be waiting for them.