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.
