Jenni uses her Film Degree to do a Review: The Sapphires
As someone equipped with an innate underdog crusader mode, I tend to get a bit unfairly passionate about the state of the Australian film industry.
However, that was just a teaser - I'm saving that rant for another time, because our latest industry big ticket is the Melbourne International Film Festival opener, The Sapphires; a wholly harmless, relatively enjoyable flick - although nothing to weaponise a heated argument with.
Based on the stage play first performed by the Melbourne Theatre Company - which was very loosely based on a true story - The Sapphires follows four soul-singing Aboriginal women and their Irish band manager to Vietnam as they entertain the American troops entangled in the conflict. At its heart this is a feel-good movie, so of course along the way the girls discover love, experience the cruelty of war and reconnect with their cultural identity.
It is really quite a simple film, with its main flaw being a glaring adherence to formula. From the trailer I made guesses at the general trajectory of all the characters, and the film itself vindicated my assumptions and offered nothing further to surprise me with. The story arcs were so clear and obvious right from the outset that it was never anything more than an enjoyable ride, even without the trailer I suspect I would have felt jibbed.
Part of this issue arises from the soft handling of every topic they pass over. Is it about war? Is it about these minority girls finding confidence and a place in the world? Is it about race? Is it just a straight-up romantic comedy? All of these themes are glanced at, but never delved into - it means that the movie never offends, but also that it never truly resonates. People don’t change their spots without being challenged a little.
It is not unenjoyable, though. Deborah Mailman is hard to fault in any role and I'm glad to see Chris O'Dowd getting lead roles all around the globe. The rest of the acting has touches of inexperience but everyone gets an opportunity to charm and prove their place on the screen, so I can forgive the occasional clunkiness.
There's a lot to get on board with, honestly; the songs are performed with great justice by the talented Jessica Mauboy; the small moments between the characters are adorable; and most of all, it shows that Australia can produce a well-made film with broad appeal, starring Aboriginal actresses in an uplifiting story. I do want it to be more - I want The Sapphires to be a better film - but I certainly feel it is a step in the right direction.
The Sapphires was directed by Wayne Blair, written by Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson, and stars Deborah Mailman, Chris O'Dowd and Jessica Mauboy.
First published on SYN Reviews!
However, that was just a teaser - I'm saving that rant for another time, because our latest industry big ticket is the Melbourne International Film Festival opener, The Sapphires; a wholly harmless, relatively enjoyable flick - although nothing to weaponise a heated argument with.
Based on the stage play first performed by the Melbourne Theatre Company - which was very loosely based on a true story - The Sapphires follows four soul-singing Aboriginal women and their Irish band manager to Vietnam as they entertain the American troops entangled in the conflict. At its heart this is a feel-good movie, so of course along the way the girls discover love, experience the cruelty of war and reconnect with their cultural identity.
It is really quite a simple film, with its main flaw being a glaring adherence to formula. From the trailer I made guesses at the general trajectory of all the characters, and the film itself vindicated my assumptions and offered nothing further to surprise me with. The story arcs were so clear and obvious right from the outset that it was never anything more than an enjoyable ride, even without the trailer I suspect I would have felt jibbed.
Part of this issue arises from the soft handling of every topic they pass over. Is it about war? Is it about these minority girls finding confidence and a place in the world? Is it about race? Is it just a straight-up romantic comedy? All of these themes are glanced at, but never delved into - it means that the movie never offends, but also that it never truly resonates. People don’t change their spots without being challenged a little.
It is not unenjoyable, though. Deborah Mailman is hard to fault in any role and I'm glad to see Chris O'Dowd getting lead roles all around the globe. The rest of the acting has touches of inexperience but everyone gets an opportunity to charm and prove their place on the screen, so I can forgive the occasional clunkiness.
There's a lot to get on board with, honestly; the songs are performed with great justice by the talented Jessica Mauboy; the small moments between the characters are adorable; and most of all, it shows that Australia can produce a well-made film with broad appeal, starring Aboriginal actresses in an uplifiting story. I do want it to be more - I want The Sapphires to be a better film - but I certainly feel it is a step in the right direction.
The Sapphires was directed by Wayne Blair, written by Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson, and stars Deborah Mailman, Chris O'Dowd and Jessica Mauboy.
First published on SYN Reviews!