It is so great to see all these movies being made about indigenous Australians. The greatest thing though is that people are going to see them. Admittedly it is the feel good ones that do better but it is still great to see them. I don't think many people would know about this story of four Aboriginal girls going to entertain the troops during the Vietnam War. While the film does take the conventional path it is still an interesting story. Writers Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson have infused the film with some political subplots as well as giving each of the girls great character traits. The only problem I had was that there was little said about what the reaction was to the girls back home. Did anyone know they were over there? Also in there was no mention of the girls singing career after they got home. Did it continue or just stop?
All the girls in the film are brilliant in their roles. I think Deborah Mailman has replaced Bill Hunter as the actor required to appear in every Aussie film. She is excellent as the feisty member of the group. Miranda Tapsell is great as the sassy one who always wants to have fun. Poor Shari Sebbens gets lumbered with the thankless task of falling for an incredibly good looking American soldier. I was disappointed with Jessica Mauboy. Not so much with her performance as such but just with the fact that she has very little to do but sing. The other girls get more meaty parts to play where as Jessica seems to be there just to sing. The film is stolen by the phenomenal performance of Chris O'Dowd. I have long been a fan of his from the TV series 'The IT Crowd' and he has mostly done comedic work. This is the first time I've seen him do something more dramatic and he is brilliant at it. This film proves he can be more versatile and I hope to see him do more in the future.
Firm proof that this new resurgence of Aussie films just keeps on coming. Highly recommended for all those who think we can only make miserable dramas.
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