Introduction
881 is a 2007 Singaporean
musical-comedy-drama film written and directed by Royston Tan. It was screened
in the seventh month of the lunar calendar, known as the Hungry Ghost Festival,
when Getai concerts are staged across
island. Many of the middle-aged viewers who typically did not visit the theatre
were attracted (Chan, 2009). This movie is primarily based on Singapore’s Getai scene with the goal to introduce Getai to the younger generation.
Getai has been one of the Singapore’s homegrown
unique cultural attributes. However it is slowly diminishing in terms of its
frequency of presence due to the evolution of new form of entertainment,
Western pop culture (Yeoh, 2011).
About 881
This
show comprises of a male protagonist named Guan Yin, casted by Qi Yuwu, and two
female protagonists by Yeo Yann-Yann (Big Papaya) and Mindee Ong (Small
Papaya). They were both known as Papaya sisters. Together with them were Liu
Lingling, who played duo roles as Goddess of “Getai” and Aunt Ling. She had been taking care of the two sisters
in the Getai arena. There were also
special guest appearances made by Wang Lei, a renowned Getai singer, Kelvin Tan, Karen and Ming Zhu sisters.
Indeed,
the invitation of familiar faces in Getai
has evoked the authenticity of the portrayal of Getai setting in this film. Tan had also added in elements
like the presence of a magical realm of Getai
Goddess, whom people can seek solace for in times of desperation. However,
this is something we do not see in the reality. Often, when face with despair,
we hope for the presence of such strength to help us overcome obstacles. This
film has incorporated the hope that we wish we could derive while it is
rationally deemed too fictional or illogical.
The
film also established a sense of familiarity of the Getai ground by forming a series of dialogues using only titles of
famous Getai songs. The songs also
act as an alternative platform to convey the intended emotions or thoughts of
the current scene. “We each take half, and our relationship won’t split” is a Hokkien
song that was most commonly played during the film. It showcases the perpetual
chemistry between the two sworn sisters that was closer than blood. Slowly,
this song became a statement piece for 881. People are constantly vying for the
things they want to achieve at the expense of their relationships, be it
friends or family. It serves as an imperative reminder in humanity of what can
be more precious than family ties, which are so prone to be taken for granted.
Other
relatable scenes include showing the whole process of Getai singers engaging in fights for stage appearances due to a
golden rule of Getai “first come
first serve”. Rivalry amongst the singers (as shown in Papaya sisters versus
Durian sisters) led to superstitious behaviors, though not commonly seen, but
still beliefs that people hold. For instance, asking for god’s direction
through divination lot and cursing people whom they dislike through “hit small
people” - a direct translation from Chinese.
The Protagonists
Guan
Yin, a mute, narratively presents this film. He started introducing the hectic
lifestyles and procedures behind the glamorous décor of a Getai stage and the formation of Papaya sisters. He did not have a
dream of his own, and the only motivation in his life seemed to be his rooster,
which he carried with him all day long. In retrospect, his goal was actually to
help both sisters to realize their goals of becoming a pair of famous Getai duo. Both sisters were bestowed
with powerful voices by the Getai goddess
and became the hottest singing duo.
Nonetheless, the powerful voices did not do justice to the private lives
of these two sworn sisters. Both sisters were going through difficult ordeals that
will determine their fate at the Getai field.
Big
Papaya had always led a smooth-sailing life. However, the decision to join the Getai industry had caused strong
objection by her mother. Despite the cold shoulders, Big Papaya persevered with
her dream pursuit as she tried to restore family kinship. This brings forward
the point about people’s resolution to accomplish, whereby society’s
overwhelming levels of expectation have engulfed our faith to persevere. Often
we see ourselves succumbing into circumstances where society’s practicality has
stopped us from the further pursuit of dreams. Yet the question lies whether if
we have the courage to challenge the norm in which we would like to make a
difference in.
Small
Papaya was less fortunate on the other hand, with a family history of cancer,
she was already terminally ill when the Durian sisters issued the challenge for
the final showdown. Despite her weak immune self, the determination to complete
her final year of Getai performance did
not waver. Nothing could stop her until she was at her deathbed, where both
sisters sang a series of Hokkien song to show the fragility in humanity. The
dramatic and rapid balding hair of Ong seems to suggest we do not always expect
a positive return in the things we put effort in. There are always situational
factors that will not be within our control, which may hinder the progress of
our hard work.
Advancing to 12 Lotus
A
year after the launch of 881 was 12 Lotus. Similarly, it portrays the hunger
for fame and glory by the female protagonist – Lian Hua (casted by Mindee Ong
and Liu Lingling), in the Getai
field. Contrary to 881’s highlight on women’s rivalry and jealousy, it showed
the pitiful life of Lian Hua through 12 chapters of misfortune. This time, the tragedy
had driven her to a state of despair, which made her lock herself up at home
for 20 years, trusting no one but Astroboy (casted by Hao Hao – a famous Getai star till date) whom she had
formed a band with during her past glory. Despite the act of betrayal by the
man whom she loved for life, she naively harped on his return one day. All she
had left was a Guan Yin statue and her favorite biscuit cracker, where they
were the only platform she could seek solace in. In contrast to 811, when the
two sisters had the support from Aunt Ling and Guan Yin, perhaps the belief in
love kept the faith and living going.
Reference
1. Yeoh
(2011) “Getai and Ghost breath life into
new Asia” [online] http://www.webintravel.com/blog/getai-and-ghosts-breathe-life-into-the-new-asia_1635
Retrieved on 20 September 2013
2. Chan
(2009) “Gender and Class in the Singapore
film 881” [online] http://www.ejumpcut.org/archive/jc51.2009/881/
Retrieved on 20 September 2013
3.
Xinmsn video 881 2010 (xinmsn, 2010) http://video.xin.msn.com/watch/video/881/1hy2w1tzo
Retrieved on 20 September 2013
6.
MovieXclusive http://www.moviexclusive.com/review/12lotus/12lotus.htm
Retrieved on 20 September 2013
7.
Xinmsn video 12 Lotus 2010 (xinmsn, 2010) http://video.xin.msn.com/watch/video/12-lotus/1hygfkc62
Retrieved on 20 September 2013
8.
Stefan (2008) “Review of 12 Lotus”
[online] http://twitchfilm.com/2008/08/review-of-12-lotus.html
Retrieved on 20 September 2013
