Saturday, April 25, 2015

The Sapphires



Recommended to me by a fellow flight attendant; I had the pleasure of tuning in to this 2012 Biography/Comedy/Drama on a long layover this week. Little did I know that until 1967 Australia’s Aboriginal people, among the eldest people on earth were denied full citizenship by Australian government: they were not classified as human beings but as “Flora and Fauna”. I also did not know that as late as the 1970’s fair-skinned Aboriginal children were taken from their families to be raised in institutions with white families and taught “white ways”. Learning this made me sick; but it wasn’t a surprise as I’ve felt this energy even today when I visit Australia. Beautiful land but strange and saddening history. 

Written and adapted into screenplay by Tony Briggs and directed by Wayne Blair this film had a lot of heart. Following 4 Aboriginal sisters with a dream of singing and becoming famous in 1968 during the height of war in Vietnam and still raging racism in many parts of the world; this story allows audiences to connect to not only their love of music but their journey into learning about soul music and ultimately at being strong in their own skin. 


A lot of dynamics happening in this true story which adds even more to the depth of the already heavy story-line. The singing/music throughout helped to lighten the mood. Like any story of injustice this film makes viewers appreciate the struggles others deal with in this world and the actors successfully exhibit the strength needed to overcome battles sadly still faced today.


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