881 (film)
| 881 | |
|---|---|
Theatrical poster
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| Directed by | Royston Tan |
| Produced by |
Daniel Yun Eric Khoo James Toh John Ho Mike Wiluan |
| Written by | Royston Tan |
| Starring |
Qi Yuwu Yeo Yann Yann Mindee Ong Liu Lingling |
| Music by | Funkie Monkies Productions Poh Tiong-Cai Robert Mackenzie |
| Cinematography | Daniel Low |
| Edited by | Low Hwee-Ling |
| Distributed by | Zhao Wei Films |
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Release date
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9 August 2007 (Singapore) |
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Running time
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105 minutes |
| Country | Singapore |
| Language |
Mandarin Hokkien |
| Budget | S$1,000,000 |
881 is a 2007 Singaporean musical-comedy-drama film written and directed by Royston Tan, based on the Singapore Getai scene. It is only the second Singaporean film that has been released in Japan.
By September 13, 2007, the film had grossed over S$3 million, making it the top grossing Asian film in Singapore in 2007. It was screened at the Pusan International Film Festival in South Korea, and was in competition at the 2007 World Film Festival of Bangkok. The film was also accepted as Singapore's selection for Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The film was submitted to the 44th Golden Horse Awards by Mediacorp, and received a nomination for best makeup and costume design.
A talented student from a broken home and an orphan who lost both of her parents at a young age, Big Papaya and Little Papaya grow up idolizing Chen Jin Lang, the King of Hokkien Getai, and dream of becoming Getai singers themselves.
After a chance meeting at a Chen Jin Lang concert and coached by their seamstress, Little Papaya's Aunt, Ling Yi (Aunt Ling), the Papaya sisters struggle at first because they have no “feel” in their voices. As a last resort, they appeal to Aunt Ling’s estranged twin sister, the Goddess of Getai, for help. She grants them their wish, but warns them the price will be high, especially if they do not obey the rules of Getai. One of the rules states that they shall not love or be loved by any man.
The Papaya sisters hit the Getai circuit and sing their hearts out with their newfound “feel”. Big Papaya is pursuing her dream in spite of strong parental objections, to the point of being kicked out of her house and is now living with Aunt Ling and Little Papaya. Little Papaya, being an orphan, is in a personal race against time to realize her potential. Like her deceased parents, Little Papaya suffers from cancer and has little time left. Through their perseverance, hard work and Aunt Ling’s amazing costumes, the Papayas become the most popular sister act in town. They use their fame to help raise funds to help Chen Jin Lang, who is also suffering from cancer. But they are soon devastated by the death of their idol. While Little Papaya grieves, Big Papaya finds solace in the arms of Guan Yin, Aunt Ling's mute son and their driver.
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