The Sapphires (2012)

It's 1968, and four young, talented Australian Aboriginal girls learn about love, friendship and war when their all-girl group The Sapphires entertain the US troops in Vietnam.

Director:

Wayne Blair

Writers:

Tony Briggs (adapted from the stage play by), Tony Briggs

Stars:

Chris O'Dowd, Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy

25 wins & 25 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tanika Lonesborough	...	Young Gail
Nioka Brennan	...	Young Kay
Lynette Narkle	...	Nanny Theresa
Kylie Belling	...	Geraldine
Tammy Anderson	...	Evelyn
Miah Madden	...	Young Julie
Ava Jean Miller-Porter	...	Young Cynthia
Carlin Briggs	...	Young Jimmy
Gregory J. Fryer	...	Selwyn
Miranda Tapsell	...	Cynthia
Deborah Mailman	...	Gail
Jessica Mauboy	...	Julie
Koby Murray	...	Baby Hartley
Hunter Page-Lochard	...	Stevie Kayne
Chris O'Dowd	...	Dave Lovelace

Storyline

1968 was the year that changed the world. And for four young Aboriginal sisters from a remote mission this is the year that would change their lives forever. Around the globe, there was protest and revolution in the streets. Indigenous Australians finally secured the right to vote. There were drugs and the shock of a brutal assassination. And there was Vietnam. The sisters, Cynthia, Gail, Julie and Kay are discovered by Dave, a talent scout with a kind heart, very little rhythm but a great knowledge of soul music. Billed as Australia's answer to 'The Supremes', Dave secures the sisters their first true gig, and flies them to Vietnam to sing for the American troops. Based on a true story, THE SAPPHIRES is a triumphant celebration of youthful emotion, family and music.

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Plot Keywords:

sister | aboriginal | soul music | lead singer | irish man | 

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Taglines:

It's what's in the groove that counts.

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Genres:

Biography | Comedy | Drama | Music | Musical

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for sexuality, a scene of war violence, some language, thematic elements and smoking

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 June 2013 (Germany)

Also Known As:

Ha'avanim ha'k'houlot

Filming Locations:

Albury, New South Wales, Australia

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$38,372 (USA) (22 March 2013)

Gross:

$2,448,455 (USA) (19 July 2013)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Goalpost Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

There really was an Australian girl group in the 60s called The Sapphires but they only had three members not four. When they were invited to tour for the troops in Vietnam, two of the group declined due to their anti-war stance, so the remaining Sapphire drafted in her sister to help her out.

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Goofs

The Sapphires are shown performing for the 19th Infantry Division. However, the 19th Infantry Division was deactivated in 1944 and never served in Vietnam.

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Quotes

Dave: Can you do it blacker?

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Connections

Featured in At the Movies: Cannes Film Festival 2012 (2012)

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Soundtracks

Run Through the Jungle
Written by John Fogerty
Administered by Hebbes Music Group Ply, Ltd.
Performed by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Under license from Concord Music Group, Inc./
Universal Music Group International (United Kingdom)
Licensed Courtesy of Universal Music Australia Pty Limited

User Reviews

Party with The Sapphires.

I absolutely wanted to see this movie because of it being Australian & Jessica Mauboy stars in it!

It wasn't a let down. It's an absolutely brilliant story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I found the characters very likable and hate-able too. (But for good reason.)

The songs that were sung were brilliant and thank-god it wasn't just another High School Musical film... what? Why am I saying this? There isn't even any similarity.

The story itself was marvelous, although it felt a little rushed at times. The romance was also quite good. Very emotional scenes! The comedy was spot on 90% of the time and there were some of the funniest/corniest lines in movies I've seen ever! Also, to whoever said that they're just cheesie and the movie is a cliché: they should all go die. Because it wasn't clearly and people can't reinvent the English language and make up jokes that no one understands?

Lastly, the brilliant central Australian cast were beautiful and very talented. You should go see it. Everyone should go see it!