'The Sapphires' Review Roundup: Australian Film Dazzles Critics

On March 22 Wayne Blair's "The Sapphire's" will be released in limited theaters.

The film, starring Chris O'Dowd, Jessica Mauboy and Deborah Mailman, tells the story of four young, talented Australian Aboriginal girls who learn about love, friendship and war when their all-girl group The Sapphires entertain the US troops in Vietnam.

The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and Hamptons International Film Festival to rave reviews. The Hollywood Reporter stated "A jewel-bright charmer about four spunky indigenous women whose powerhouse voices catapulted them onto the 60s-era world stage as Australia's answer to the Supremes."

Variety also enjoyed it stating "Soul music's alleged redemptive powers are fully at work in this jumbled, sketchily written but vastly appealing true-life musical comedy."

The NPR agreed and added "At certain moments, the film feels pretty manipulative, but you know why manipulation is popular? Because it is effective."

Emanuel Levy gave the movie a B stating, "A musical feature about a worthy if little-known subject that's enjoyable, despite manipulative tone and conventional nature."

 Blair is best known for his work on the TV shows "Lookie Leonard" and "Dead Gorgeous." He is currently working on "The Elegant Gentleman's Guide to Knife Fighting."

O'Dowd last starred in "Bridemaids," "This is 40," and "Friends with Kids." He is currently filming the TV series "Family Tree" and the films "Hippie Hippie Shake" and "Calvary." Mailman last starred in "Offspring" and "Redfern Now." Mauboy was recently seen in "Bran Nue Dae and appeared in "Underbelly."

The Weinstein Company will distribute "The Sapphires" in 4 theaters. The movie is rated PG-13 for sexuality, a scene of war violence, some language, thematic elements and smoking.