Movie Review #9 - "The Sapphires (2012)

Movie Review:  "The Sapphires (2012)"

On IMDB: "The Sapphires (2012)"

Benny's Tabasco Rating:  7 / 10

Synopsis:  This movie is based on a true story (loosely based of course) about 4 Aboriginal Girls / Ladies from a hick town in Australia who can really sing ... However, the Aboriginals were discriminated just as bad as the African-Americans were during the 1700s - 1990s ... Or maybe even worse ... (I didn't study my Australian history prior to my review).  They encounter a musician named Dave Lovelace (played by Chris O'Dowd) who becomes their manager ... The girls find an advertisement for singers in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.  They go through there to sing to the U.S. Troops ... There are many twists and turns (not over the top) and end up telling a great story about music, racism, and love ...

Cinematography:  I was a little disappointed since a portion of the film occurs in Australia.  I was hoping to see more wide-angle camera shots of the landscape, but I was sorely disappointed.  The shots in "Vietnam" were OK ... I did appreciate the tight camera work during the performances.  It's a common technique that film makers use when they don't have a lot of budget for extras or there's a lack of extras.

Acting:  Chris O'Dowd steals the movie hands-down.  My first experience with Chris O'Dowd was on the British Comedy Show, "The IT Crowd".  Being a geek, I loved the show ... Not only that, the comedy sketches are really funny...  

A big surprise was by Deborah Mailman who plays "Gail".  Her character was developed well and her acting was surprising for my first "running into a film with her".

Overall Rating:
 I liked this movie.  In fact, I have watched it 4 times now.  There's a good bit of singing which I like a lot.  Also, I really didn't understand how poorly the Aboriginal People of Australia were treated.  I've been to Australia and enjoyed my time there.  However, racism is still here ...

I was going to rent this from Redbox.  Instead, I received an email from Netflix telling me it was available with my subscription... 

It's pretty good for a seemingly low-budget Indie style film.  And it's free with your Netflix subscription.