Chinese Ghost Festival + 881

The Chinese Ghost Festival has started just in case you haven't notice that the air around your neighbourhood has become hazy not because of the forest fires in Indonesia but because of your neighbourhood joss paper burnings. You would also be warned either by elders or parents to not do many things as before. Like don't go swimming, don't stay out too late into the night, don't mess with the offerings for the ghosts and don't walk in the dark or near walls. These may seem dumb and unnecessary but believe it not it may help to change your luck during this period of time. Besides these, during this time, there will also be other events going on like auctions, banquest and concerts. Such events are to appease the spirits and to "feed" them as well. One of the more popular events would be the concerts which they called it "Ge Tai". There would be many colourful peformers who would sing in Hokkien, Chinese or English to the ghosts and audiences. Normally the front row seats are reserved for special reason so don't go on and sit on them. So at the start of this festival, I went to watch Royston Tan's new flick "881" to get into the atmosphere of this festival.

Synopsis: Two girls, one dream. Little Papaya and Big Papaya grow up idolizing Chen Jin Lang, the King of Hokkien Getai, and dream of becoming Getai singers themselves. Their heart wrenching story is related by their introspective but highly sensitive friend and driver, Guan Yin. Coached by their seamstress 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. Rule number 5 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. 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 suffering from cancer. But they are soon devastated by the death of their idol, Chen Jin Lang. While Little Papaya grieves, Big Papaya finds solace in the arms of Guan Yin.Unknown to them, rival sister group Durian Sisters have become intensely jealous of the Papayas' success, and are determined to trip them up by messing up their schedule. With the help of their gangster Godfather, the Durians succeed in shutting the Papayas out of many getai. They are ruthless in their underhand attacks on the Papayas, using magical darts to hurt their rivals. Guan Yin cannot defend them, and even the Goddess is appalled by the tactics employed by the Durians. Although she grants the Papayas whatever celestial powers she can bestow, she warns them that there is a limit to what she can do.At a confrontation, the Durians challenge the Papayas to a showdown. The stakes are high: whoever loses will leave the getai scene for good. The Papayas accept, and start preparing for the big day – new costumes, new songs, new dances. The movie climaxes with a dramatic musical battle. Both sides pull out all the stops to win over the audience, at first with their musical numbers. But as the fight becomes more intense, the Durians attack with their laser darts and the Papayas retaliate with their celestial powers. Who will triumph? You have to watch the film yourself.

Review: A very fresh and entertaining shot of the whole Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival concept. Royston really made the film work with its alternative cinematography and the lively depiction of Ge Tai singers as well as their followers. The plot is quite normal but its well supported by talented low-key actors and actresses. However, Royston could have explored more on the Ge Tai issue like the roots and probably present situation of Ge Tai as Ge Tai is slowly becoming a lost art. Luckily what makes this movie tick is probably the songs inside the film which really make the movie enjoyable. Song of filial peity and friendship are belted out with gusto and emotions from the actors and actresses. I guess the soundtrack would definitely be a hit. On the whole, its an excellent film, very Royston Tan kind of flick and if you are a fan of Ge Tai or support local movie production, this is one movie you should not miss.