In 1968, four talented young Australian Aboriginal girls learn about love, friendship, and war when their all-girl group The Sapphires entertains the US troops in Vietnam.In 1968, four talented young Australian Aboriginal girls learn about love, friendship, and war when their all-girl group The Sapphires entertains the US troops in Vietnam.In 1968, four talented young Australian Aboriginal girls learn about love, friendship, and war when their all-girl group The Sapphires entertains the US troops in Vietnam.
- Awards
- 27 wins & 26 nominations
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThere really was an Australian girl group in the 1960s called The Sapphires, but they had only 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 her sister to help her out.
- GoofsNo U.S. Soldier "in country" would have been in possession of U.S. currency; only "scrip" (a form of pseudo money) was used. Scrip could be exchanged for U.S. money only upon leaving the country. Possession of U.S. currency was an offense subject to court martial.
- Quotes
Dave: Before we go then, girls, when I met you you were doing all country and western thing and that's fine, we all make mistakes. But here is what we learn from that mistake. Country and western music is about loss. Soul music is also about loss. But the difference is in country and western music, they've lost, they've given up, and they are just all whining about it. In soul music they are struggling to get it back, they haven't given up. Every note the passes through your lips should have the tone of a woman who's grasping and fighting and desperate to retrieve what's been taken from her.
- Crazy creditsPreceding the end credits is this tribute:
The women who inspired this story are sisters Laurel Robinson and Lois Peeler and their cousins Beverley Briggs and Naomi Mayers.
For over 40 years they have been active community leaders, working tirelessly to improve health and education for Aboriginal people.
Between them, they have 7 children, 10 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren ... and they sing to them every day.
- Alternate versionsThe Australian version is slightly different (roughly 3 minutes longer) than the one shown in International Markets. It does not have a title card in the beginning of the movie explaining about the Aborigine people and that the film is based on a real story. On the other hand. several scenes are cut shorter by a few seconds in the International version, and the end title card is also different. While it describes in details what became of each character in real life, showing pictures of each of them individually, the Australian one briefly sums up their achievements as a whole. There's a final picture of the ladies as they look-like nowadays (shown in black and white in the International version and in color on the Australian one).
- ConnectionsFeatured in At the Movies: Cannes Film Festival 2012 (2012)
- SoundtracksRun 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
The soundtrack does a great deal to help it, but the energy in the comedy and the characters really helps. Everything is delivered with a good sense of fun with rough edges and it is very charming and effective throughout. The musical performances are great and moreso thanks to the cast. O'Dowd is a good bit of casting as he is in that middle ground of being a famous face but perhaps not yet leading a film on his own name. His character may be simple enough but he is good at it. Of the four women there is a sense that the film is rough with the realistic casting, looks and shapes; this is not to say they are not beautiful – just that they are not so in the way that films would traditionally put forward. Mailman is the best example as she is a great central character. Mauboy has a great pair of lungs on her and drives the performance while Tapsell is very good in support. Sebbens was probably the least engaging of the group as she has more "issues" to carry and is less naturally rough and fun.
It may be a simple film on the face of it, but it has a lot of energy in the characters, the comedy and the music. Infectious and fun – it is not a great film but it is a very easy one to enjoy.
- bob the moo
- Oct 25, 2013
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Languages
- Also known as
- Những Viên Ngọc Bích
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $10,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $2,450,867
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $38,372
- Mar 24, 2013
- Gross worldwide
- $20,423,628
- Runtime1 hour 43 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1