881

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Independent

Found the DVD at National Library. Finally finished watching it after running into overtime (it was overdue a few days ago!).

Not growing up in Singapore, or to be precise, my family not being involved in the tradition of watching Getai during the Lunar 7th month, I was never particularly interested in it even after reading about it and passing by some Getais.

However, I was intrigued by the film 881, as it was Royston Tan's creation.

At first, I was simply facsinated by some of the customs reflected about 7th month traditions, but wifey informed me those were made up or over-exaggerated for the film.

Pity, I thought, it could have given viewers a more authentic representation of Singapore's culture.

Then again, wifey knew Yeo Yann Yann back from Theatre Practice days, and she affirmed that the film was a bit "larger-than-life". The way Yeo's character and Mindee's character hit off was glossed over in the film, but their friendship was a critical component of their endeavour focussed in the film, one rather discomfiting imperfection for those who require it. Though I guess many movie-makers do make such leaps over transitions which, to do justice, require lengthy narration only feasible really in TV serials rather than movies.

Still, the whole show does give a pleasant viewing experience and encourages a healthier respect for this traditional custom which are unique to the region.

Qi YiWu's character GuanYin (关音) was rather understated (he is supposed to be mute, though much of the narration were done through perspective). Still, his wooden facial expression underlined with sympathy for the sisters, as well as his showing off his delectable physique, was probably a well-calculated feature by the film-makers as part of the film's appeal. I just wish I understood more about his character's obsession with the pet chicken.

Veteran Getai performer, Liu Ling Ling, scored in her dual roles as twin sisters, the seamstress Aunt Ling who "raised strays" and the Getai goddess. Having been in a choir before, I have a healthy respect for those who can sing well, and would do so in the most unglamorous appearance. She was indeed the Sun to Mindee's Moon and Yann Yann's Stars.

Despite their difference in background, education and upbringing, there was unfortunately little to distinguish between Mindee's and Yann Yann's characters. Never mind that the Papaya sisters were supposed to be closed despite all their diverse histories - Seems that in the end, it wouldn't have really matter whether it was Big Papaya (Yann Yann) or Little Papaya (Mindee) who got cancer.

One thing I felt the movie should have paid proper tributes to the real life characters in the film, such as blind-singer Chen WeiLian, and the recently departed popular Getai king Chen JinLang, whose passing created a big stir locally.

Instead, it gave the usual "all events, characters and incidents ... are fictional. Any similarity ... is purely coincidental and unintentional"

Official Website : http://881themovie.com/#