Sept2012_MOVIE REVIEW
“The Sapphires”
Review by Gemma Schuhmann
The Sapphires follows four Aboriginal women (Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens and Miranda Tapsell) through the events of 1968 that change their lives forever.
Review by Gemma Schuhmann
The Sapphires follows four Aboriginal women (Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens and Miranda Tapsell) through the events of 1968 that change their lives forever.
They’re soon discovered by an Irishman (Chris O’Dowd) in a small country pub. Together they quickly find themselves in Vietnam facing love, family and the effects of war while singing soul to soldiers. Over the last few months the Sapphires has been hard to escape, it’s been on TV, radio, in magazines and before almost every movie at the cinemas, and with this massive build up the movie doesn’t disappoint.
This film may be a little predictable at times but every now and then it will throw a spanner in the works. In one part, just when you think it couldn’t get any worse, it does and it’s absolutely gut-wrenching. However this film has so many corny and cheesy lines it will keep you laughing just at the stupidity of them. Best of all, no one takes themselves too seriously making them more likable.
Thankfully Mauboy’s acting has improved since Bran Nue Dae. It’s still not the best but her role relies heavily on her singing rather than her acting, so it’s not too bad. Considering Sebbens and Tapsell haven’t had much experience before they do a really good job. Mailman and O’Dowd being the only experienced actors carry this movie on their shoulders. Mailman draws you in, making you forget it’s a movie. While O’Dowd has a way of making every scene more light-hearted in an effortless way.
If people still believe that Australians can’t make good films, this movie proves them wrong. The Sapphires was made perfectly. The only real issue was some poorly delivered lines by a few supporting actors, luckily it was only one scene where it was noticeable. Even the computer generated imagery (CGI) was done fantastically. Most of the time it wasn’t even noticeable. The CGI was better than some high budget Hollywood films of late.
It’s turning out to be Australia’s feel good movie of the year. Much like Red Dog last year this true story hits home for many Australians. Co-writer Tony Briggs is actually the son of one of the original Sapphires.
The Sapphires will have you singing, laughing and crying by the time it’s finished. Good Aussie film.
This film may be a little predictable at times but every now and then it will throw a spanner in the works. In one part, just when you think it couldn’t get any worse, it does and it’s absolutely gut-wrenching. However this film has so many corny and cheesy lines it will keep you laughing just at the stupidity of them. Best of all, no one takes themselves too seriously making them more likable.
Thankfully Mauboy’s acting has improved since Bran Nue Dae. It’s still not the best but her role relies heavily on her singing rather than her acting, so it’s not too bad. Considering Sebbens and Tapsell haven’t had much experience before they do a really good job. Mailman and O’Dowd being the only experienced actors carry this movie on their shoulders. Mailman draws you in, making you forget it’s a movie. While O’Dowd has a way of making every scene more light-hearted in an effortless way.
If people still believe that Australians can’t make good films, this movie proves them wrong. The Sapphires was made perfectly. The only real issue was some poorly delivered lines by a few supporting actors, luckily it was only one scene where it was noticeable. Even the computer generated imagery (CGI) was done fantastically. Most of the time it wasn’t even noticeable. The CGI was better than some high budget Hollywood films of late.
It’s turning out to be Australia’s feel good movie of the year. Much like Red Dog last year this true story hits home for many Australians. Co-writer Tony Briggs is actually the son of one of the original Sapphires.
The Sapphires will have you singing, laughing and crying by the time it’s finished. Good Aussie film.
4 ½ /5
