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SINGAPORE: Following the success of "881" is "12 Lotus", a highly-anticipated ‘getai’ prequel by Royston Tan.
While there will be inevitable comparisons drawn between the two films, Tanis quick to defend his latest production.
By downplaying the energetic musical extravaganza of ‘getai’ that had been central to "881", "12 Lotus" is more melodramatic in nature, with a stronger focus on character development to deliver a more moving story.
This is especially so for the main character, a successful and talented singer Lian Hua, played by Liu Ling Ling, who shines onstage but lives a lonely life offstage.
Tan says that it was not his intention from the beginning to have this duology of fusing Hokkien music with his movies.
And he jokes that neither does he have the foresight of a shrewd business man to cash in on "881", which raked a total of S$3.54 million in the box office.
The birth of "12 Lotus" stems from his personal philosophy; simply put, he follows his heart and his emotions would guide the storyline writing process.
Another similarity drawn between the two films are the familiar faces of both the cast and the crew.
This is starting to look like a reunion of sorts!
Eric Ong, music director of both "881" and "12 Lotus" says the former team had worked so closely together before as though they were ‘family’, so it is just a natural progression for them to join Tan on his latest film venture.
On the film’s music, Ng shares that the novel idea of marrying Hokkien music in local films is one way to a Singaporean heartlander’s heart.
If that is the case, it has been reflected in the sales of the "881" soundtrack, which caused a stir in the local music industry with stunning sales of 20,000 copies.
This is at least four times as many records sold for a typical Singapore-made album!
And what is definitely refreshing about the musical direction in "12 Lotus" is the dose of Hokkien music, together with some R&B and hip hop (or should I say ‘hip hok’?).
Ng's favourite song is "Jit Pat Ban" (loosely translated as ‘One Million’) and being a practical Singaporean, he says matter-of-factly that the song is almost like an anthem on Singaporeans’ aspirations, with money being a subject close to our hearts.
Looking ahead, Tan admits that while there is some pressure in continuing making commercial films, he hopes to return back to creating independent, art-house films; the type of films that jumpstarted his career.
And with most things, it also looks like the ‘getai’ chapter will come to the close after "12 Lotus".
Nevertheless, at least the audiences can look forward to other fresh perspectives from this local director in time to come.
"12 Lotus" is now screening in theatres.
- CNA/jk
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