THE SAPPHIRES (Film Analysis)

1967 Referendum

Australians voted to include Indigenous people in the census and allow federal laws about them — shows growing push for equality.

Cultural Assimilation

Policy forcing Indigenous people to “act white,” causing identity conflict (seen with Kay).

Internalised Racism

When a character believes racist ideas about themselves (Kay calling herself “pale black”).

Stolen Generations

Indigenous children taken from families — key to understanding Kay and family conflict.

1965 Freedom Rides

A movement challenging racism in rural Australia. Shows the setting’s racial tension.

Aboriginal Protection Act 1909

Government control over Indigenous peoples’ lives — background to why the girls face discrimination.

Mise en Scene

Everything placed in the frame: setting, props, costumes, lighting, makeup, colour.

Setting & Props

The mission, Vietnam stage, Tupperware, old radio → shows time period and lifestyle.

Costume, Hair, Makeup

Before: modest, rural.
After: glamorous, sparkly in Vietnam → shows growth and identity.

Contrast

Used to show differences between worlds (mission vs Vietnam, Gail vs Kay).

Pub Talent Show Scene

Shows racial discrimination and resilience. Establishes conflict + motivation.

Tupperware Scene

Highlights class, identity, and Kay’s disconnection from culture.

Personal Values (for analysis)

(Gail) Loyalty, belonging, pride, family responsibility, (Julie) independence

Introducing an idea:

• “In Wayne Blair’s film The Sapphires, conflict is used to reveal identity, pride, and resilience.”

• “The film shows how racism and family tensions shape the girls’ journey.”

Discussing a scene:

• “This is shown in the pub talent show scene where…”

• “The contrast between the mission and Vietnam highlights…”

Analysing a quote:

• “When Gail says, ‘It’s my responsibility to look after the little ones,’ it shows…”

• “Kay’s line, ‘I’m black… just pale black,’ reveals her internal conflict caused by assimilation.”

Linking back to the prompt:

• “This emphasises how conflict can shape a person’s sense of belonging.”

• “Blair uses this moment to show how cultural pride becomes a form of resistance.”