881 is a Singaporean movie, directed by Royston Tan and released in 2007. The movie stars Yeo Yann Yann as Big Papaya, Mindee Ong as Little Papaya, and Liu Qianyi as Auntie Ling. The film is a musical comedy-drama, set against the backdrop of the Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival, which is celebrated during the seventh lunar month. The movie follows the journey of the Papaya Sisters, who aim to become famous getai singers in Singapore.
The plot of the movie centers around the lives of two young women, who come from different backgrounds but share a common love for singing. Big Papaya is a vivacious and confident girl, who is estranged from her mother, a devout Christian, because of her involvement in the getai scene. Little Papaya, on the other hand, is a shy and introverted girl, who is battling cancer. Despite her illness, Little Papaya has a fiery spirit and a contagious laughter that lifts the spirits of those around her.
The two girls form a bond and pursue their dreams of becoming famous getai singers. They are mentored by Auntie Ling, a former getai performer, and her son, Guan Yin. Through their performances, they quickly rise to fame, winning the hearts of many. As their popularity grows, they come to the attention of the Durian Sisters, their rivals in the getai scene. The Durian Sisters, a group of techno-singing Eurasian girls, feel threatened by the Papaya Sisters' sudden success and resort to dirty tactics to bring them down.
As the story unfolds, the movie explores themes of friendship, love, family, and the pursuit of dreams. The film is filled with colorful musical numbers, featuring traditional Hokkien songs and modern pop beats. The movie is a celebration of Singaporean culture, showcasing the unique blend of Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences that make up the country's rich heritage. Through its fun and uplifting storyline, 881 has become a beloved classic among Singaporean moviegoers.
