Inspired by a true story, director Wayne Blair's debut feature The Sapphires follows four Aboriginal Australian girls as they are transformed into a soulful singing group by a kindhearted musician, and later travel to Vietnam to entertain battle-weary U.S. troops. Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell), Gail (Deborah Mailman), Julie (Jessica Mauboy) and Kay (Shari Sebbens) are four singers with lots of passion, but precious little talent. Recognizing something special in the way the girls perform, soulful talent scout Dave (Chris O'Dowd) offers to shape them into a Motown-inspired soul group and get them out on the road. But when their first gig turns out to be on the front lines of Vietnam -- where death has become part of the daily routine -- the ambitious young singers realize they've got their work cut out for them.