In the outback town of Cummeraganja in the mid-1960s, aboriginal sisters Gail, DEBORAH MAILMAN, and Cynthia, MIRANDA TAPSELL, enter a talent contest at the local pub; their parents won't let their younger sister, Julie, JESSICA MAUBOY, enter because they think she's too young - but she comes anyway and though the disdainfully racist judges don't award them a prize, the trio catch the eye of laid-back, alcoholic Irish MC Dave, CHRIS O'DOWD, who senses talent if only they will sing soul instead of country and western. When they see an ad wanting entertainers for the troops in Vietnam, the girls and Dave sense an opportunity - and soon, joined by their cousin Kay, SHARI STEBBENS, a victim of the Stolen Generation who's been living in Melbourne, they're off to the war zone.

THE SAPPHIRES is based on Tony Briggs' 2004 stage musical which in turn was based on the life of his mother, LAUREL ROBINSON, who's the Julie character in the movie. What's great about THE SAPPHIRES is its sense of fun - it's sassy, bright, breezy and often hilarious - and the four women are terrific. It raises some serious questions - about Australian racism and the pointless war in Vietnam - but doesn't dwell too deeply on them. Chris O'Dowd, recently seen as the cop in BRIDESMAIDS, is splendid as the manager of these feisty, independent Aussie girls and Wayne Blair's confident direction papers over the dodgy bits in the narrative.

If you want a feel-good home-grown movie, this is the film for you.

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