I watched 881 2 weeks ago. It's been 2 weeks but scenes from the show still lingers in my mind. It was a strange feeling, something that I haven't felt in a long long time.
Royston Tan is a young Singaporean, barely over 30. Everyone who acted in 881 are Singaporean (at least most right?). The scenes were captured in the streets of Singapore and reflected Singapore's unique culture. Unlike many of our campaigns aimed at creating a sense of nationalism, 881 is the true Singapore, from the getai, shots of the man of the street, the language and gestures.
Suddenly, I am proud of my heritage, my culture, my people and the country I live in. I haven't felt like this in a long time.
I remember the places I used to hang out, places that have been tore down to make way for urban renewal. There were places that I hold close to my heart, places like where I learnt how to ride a bicycle, places where I spent my childhood, most of which are no longer around. Then there are cultures, languages and slangs distinct to Singapore. These were things that were buried because they were deemed too kitsch, too crass, too low class. Strangely, the show brought back all these memories.
It's just a show you may think. But to me, this is the most accurate reflections of what I perceive my country to be.
