881 (2007) - full transcript

In 1982, there were
38,100 babies born in Singapore.

Among them were
Little Papaya and Big Papaya.

Little Papaya was premature
and only weighed one kilogram.

Big Papaya's weight was normal,
2.5 kilograms.

Big Papaya loved the stars,

while Little Papaya loved the moon.

So they were happiest during flag-raising.

At the age of nine,
Little Papaya lost Mom to leukemia.

At age ten, she lost Dad to liver cancer.

At 25,
she herself would die of liver cancer.

When Big Papaya was nine,
her mother changed husbands.



At ten, her mom changed again.

In the same year,
she remarried the first husband.

Big Papaya was good at studying,
went to college,

and became president of the cultural club.

Little Papaya failed all her subjects
and ended up selling papayas.

Papayas, one for $3!

My favorite time of the year
is the lunar seventh month.

In the seventh month,
the gates of hell open

and ghosts roam the streets.

During this time,
Singapore is full of life.

Audiences fill the streets.

Unseen audiences, even more.

"Getai," lively stage shows,

are staged to entertain the spirits.



Originally there were only

Hokkien and Teochew opera.

Getai evolved during the '60s
into popular entertainment shows.

This is Getai,

where we entertain the spirits
once a year.

The best loved of these Getai singers

is, without a doubt, "Hokkien Star,"
Chen Jin Lang.

On the seventh month of that year,

Big Papaya and Little Papaya
met by chance at a Chen Jin Lang Getai.

They became sworn sisters.

This is how
the Papaya Sisters' story begins.

How sad

How pitiful my life is

There is work but I refuse to do it

I just laze on my bed the whole day

I roam the streets at night

Just like a crazy sleaze

I am penniless, yet I have no worries

Every woman I see looks good to me

Regardless of age

I want to carry them
to the park for some fun

But I had better think things through

And turn over a new leaf soon

If I get charged

I may eventually end up in jail

This is Wang Lei,

Prince Charming of the local Getai scene.

Karen, the princess
of the local Getai scene.

These three ladies are HIV...

Holy Innocent Virgins.

This is the blind ranger, Chen Wei Lian.

How was it?

Look at my son,

wearing his father's clothes,

constantly playing with that bird.

He is deaf and dumb.

Are you deaf and dumb, too?

Say something!

This is horrible singing!

Singing? You call this singing?

Quiet!

One at a time!

You first.

They're great!

Such nice figures.

If they were whores,
I would drop my pants now!

Those clothes are too outdated!

It wouldn't work.

Okay, let's be fair.

Their voices are good.

Now, there's too much techno.

Old-fashioned is better for them!

In order to be unique,
they can't be techno!

Techno? What is techno?

What? You don't know techno?

Techno is tech-no.

If there's tech, there's no.

If there's no, there's tech.

That is techno.

You go out and look at the sky,
techno, please let me win the lottery!

You see an old man,
you say techno, have you eaten?

Aunty, techno, how are you?

You don't even know this techno?

Tech, tech, tech to your death.

I think you're a "techno sleaze."

You know nothing.
Go back to your worksite!

Your combined age is over a hundred.

I'm just asking you here to help,
to provide some suggestions,

and you just make a bunch of noise!

These two can't make it,

and then there's you!

Two strips of BBQ pork
and a chunk of lard!

Too fat!
You should return to tailoring clothes!

Okay, okay! Stop quarrelling!

They're okay!

The market lacks Hokkien singers now.

They just lack a little chemistry,

like glasses without eyes,
cows without milk.

Quiet!

No English!

Wei Lian, you're impartial. Speak!

Actually, I feel the dancing
and singing is secondary.

The most important thing
is to have a sincere voice.

Put simply, they lack "feel."

Feel?

Hey, Huang Lei, ask someone to buy feel.

Where's it sold?

Buy it all up!

You don't even know "feel"?

I can't help you anymore.

Only the deaf want to hear them sing.

Find some other expert!

I'm out of ideas!

The only hope
is to look for your twin sister,

the omnipotent "Fairy of the Getai"!

She will teach you
how to fly and dig underground.

Aunt Ling, you have a twin sister
known as the "Getai Fairy"?

Say something!

Why haven't you mentioned her?

I haven't seen her for more than 20 years.

Since we fell out 20 years ago,

I've not been in contact with her.

Maybe this is fate!

My twin sister, didn't you say that

you would be a useless person
if you came back to see me?

Yes, I am useless,
that's why I'm here to look for you.

For so many years
I actually wondered if you were dead.

Yesterday I saw someone in the obituaries
who resembled you,

so I dropped by to check!

Aunt Ling!

Fairy, transcendent person,

you are kind and helpful,
that is why we are here.

Fairy, many Getai sisters say
that we lack "feel" when singing,

but I don't know what "feel" is!

And all the other Getai Sisters
have their own signature songs,

but we don't,
and we don't know what to sing either.

Please guide us.

Yet another Sisters group.

Forget it!

After so many years
you still haven't changed!

Even NTUC has had a makeover,
and you still refuse to change? Let's go!

Aunty Ling!

- Fairy!
- Fairy!

- Fairy!
- Fairy!

Don't worry, she will not die so easily.

However, if you want my guidance,
listen carefully.

Is singing that important to you?

I am willing to go through anything.

We just want to sing well.

Is it more important
than the one you love most?

Is it more important than life itself?

If there were no music,
our lives would be meaningless.

Fairy, if we don't sing,
we would be heartbroken.

We have a thousand reasons to be sad
that we can't finish saying.

Actually, you don't understand my heart.
My heart hurts like it's been cut,

I only need your help.
All your words, Fairy...

Who knows our torment?

We only want to be
songstresses of the world,

singing the thoughts of wanderers.

Please let us light up
the hearts of millions,

and be the best in the world!

Fairy, women should sympathize
with other women

Actually, I want nothing but go
into the sky and watch the earthy world.

Please take me away from this dark world,
and let me find the happiness I want!

Fairy, I dreamt of you last night.

You are the lady of mystery,
you were in the sky,

healing the world.

Fairy, if not for you,

we, the flowers of tears
will be empty-handed,

wandering aimlessly
and not returning home tonight.

Please understand our hearts!

Fairy, time is running out.

We, the Papaya Sisters,
make our decision right here.

We love you like mice love rice.

How can you bear to see us in pain, Fairy?

You will achieve your dreams,
but there is a high price to pay!

We are willing to pay any price.

I have five rules you need to abide by.

One, pay your respects to spirits.

Two, be kind to people.

Three, watch your words.

Four, obey the rules
of each respective Getai.

Five, stay out of trouble,
and don't fall in love with men.

Can you do it?

Have I made myself clear?

All right,
I bestow upon you the divine feathers,

and the voices of the Mingzhu Sisters!

Thank you, Fairy!

The first chapter of my pitiful life

Born into a red-light district
and life is hard

Life is terrible and I am in a bad state

I have to slog hard to make a living

The second chapter of my pitiful life

My life is hard and my heart hurts

My stepmother
did not take me into consideration

She only wanted to marry for a meal ticket

How sad, how pitiful my life is!

The Papaya Sisters have blossomed

and unknowingly became
The Durian Sisters' greatest enemies.

With the glittering lights
and thunderous music,

they find fulfillment
from the live audience

but even more so from the audience
that they cannot "see."

The Papaya Sisters love each other.

It is a love that will bond them together.

They were fast moving from stage to stage.

Big Papaya runs from her family.

Little Papaya is singing against time.

PAPAYA SISTERS MAKE A STIR

Mom, I'm going out.

Stop there!

What's this?

Didn't I say you shouldn't be singing?

I...

You love to sing?
Love to sing very much, don't you?

Then you go sing,
you go out and sing, and never return!

Mom...

You leave if you want to sing,
and never return!

Mom...

All right, don't cry!

Don't worry, you can live here with me,

but I'm not comfortable
having you live with my son.

He may be deaf and dumb,

but he's just like his father,
a sex maniac!

Can chicken droppings wipe away tears?

Which outfit did your mother not like?

The green one, the white one, the red one,
the black one, or the brown one?

Aunty Ling, you're thinking too much!

My mother has
nothing against your clothes,

she just doesn't like me singing Getai.

Get it away! Can't you understand?

Your mother is too old-school.

But problems that can't be solved now
will not remain unsolvable forever.

The only thing you can do now is wait.

Time will prove everything!

The tiger is vicious,
yet it does not bite its own child.

So you must wait.
It will eventually be yours.

Life is just like a show

Our fortunes are destined by heaven

Do not blame your parents for a bad life

Do not complain that society is unfair

Our fate is destined
from the moment we were born

Good, bad,
it's all in the birth characters

Some are born with a silver spoon

Some have to beg for their entire lives

Life is like a flowing river

When youth runs by, it will never return

Do not fuss
about whether you are rich or poor

Be content if you have enough to get by

BAO HAO GETAI

Will the owner of car SFZ4412K

please move your car,
you're blocking someone else.

And those
who haven't displayed your coupons,

please do so now.

The inspector is here! Thank you.

Now I'm in a jail cell regretting...

The Papayas were loved by everyone.

My car was always there for them.

$20 per song,

four songs,

and we will move on to the next Getai.

Their happiness,
that was my reward for driving them.

When you have no dreams,

it's nice to be able to help others
achieve their dreams.

Hello, Boss?
This is 881, we're rushing over now.

Queue? How many ahead of us?
Two more? Okay!

Quarreling in the car was common,
because everyone is under pressure.

This is the correct way.
There are so many traffic lights that way!

If we miss one stage tonight,
we'll be fired.

I was like an F1 driver.

An endless race.

From Chua Chu Kang to Sengkang.

From Woodlands to Holland.

Stage to stage.

That's enough!

Tearing the house down? So noisy.

You love noise so much,
why don't you play at funerals?

At least you can make some money!

I smell love on you.

Nowadays you carry your cock differently.

I'm your mom. I gave birth to you.

Tell me,
which of the two girls do you like?

If you like the older one, scratch fast.

If you like the younger one, scratch slow.

You sex maniac!

Secrets have no answers.

Quiet ones have the most secrets.

I live on the stage.

I am willing to live for the stage
and die for the stage.

Even though things are difficult today,
and I may die here after singing,

I will die without regrets,
because my greatest solace in life

is having so many supporters.

Thank you for your encouragement!

When the Papaya Sisters saw Chen Jin Lang
performing in his wheelchair,

their silence was more deafening
than the applause they received.

What are you thinking about?

Thinking about you.

I don't believe that.

It's the seventh month now,
there are spirits everywhere!

There's one right next to you!

Nonsense! Here.

No point taking so much medication.

Thinking of Chen Jin Lang?

You're beautiful enough!
Look more and the mirror will crack!

That's why nobody wants me.

Who would pick a wild flower?

Who said you're a wild flower?

You're a snow lotus on a high mountain!

There's no snow, just ah lian.

Don't curse me like that,
the snow lotus wilts very quickly.

Just bugging you, don't kick up a fuss!

How can a wild chicken become a phoenix?

Even worse, I'm a sick chicken!

That goes well with Guan Yin.

He loves playing with that cock!

My status is lower than that bird of his!

Fairy said we cannot be touched by men.

Better be careful!

Why don't we take that bird and...

You hit my breast! Painful!

Dear God,

please bless Jin Lang with good health
so that he can recover soon.

Thank you!

Take pity on me and my hard life

Kind-hearted madams, please kindly donate

Please donate to help me

Unable to work for a living

The Beggar's Song was
Jin Lang's trademark song.

After hearing Wei Lian sing,

the sisters devoted their efforts
towards Chen Jin Lang's medical bill.

Little Papaya's body was failing,
but she said nothing.

She was constantly on stage saying,
"Boss, Lady, please,

"sympathize with this orphan beggar.

"Please donate generously.

"May you prosper."

Thank you, everyone,
your kindness is greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

These are funds we raised in his name.

Thank you!

Hello!

Hello!

Techno cat!

The flowers bloom
more beautifully than I today!

Ah Kun, is the meat fresh today?

Yes! I heard one
of the Papaya Sisters is not feeling well,

I'll give her some pig liver.

- For free?
- Yes!

Now, I don't have to buy!

Give me all your freebies!

I heard they're singing at many locations.

I'd better not say,
otherwise people may think I'm boastful.

Over a hundred Getais
have engaged their services!

Freebies! Get them out here!

Sure! Here you go!

I profited!

LIANHE WANBAO

Techno...

Hello!

You're sitting so high, courting disaster?
Techno!

Hello, techno!

Is there a Getai here today?
Queueing up so early?

Take it out.

Let her see it!

We have no choice.

It's just the newspaper!

KING OF GETAI CHEN JIN LANG DIES

I don't know if this happens
to every Getai singer.

During a performance,

the songs are irresistibly powerful,

but in real life, there is only silence.

For Little Papaya, she could see herself

suffering the same fate as her idol.

For Big Papaya, it seems like
another loved one has forsaken her.

It was a big blow to her.

Since you

Stepped out of the door

I can neither eat nor sleep

And my limbs feel weak

I'm sitting in the hall

Waiting for you through the night

But there has been no news of you

And you did not return

I don't know if it is fate or coincidence,

but this kiss of mine

seems to have changed
the fate of the Papaya Sisters.

Next year's Getai seems to have started
a major makeover.

THE SCREEN & STAGE PICTORIAL

I am only in my 40s this year

But I am tortured by this disease

I am on the brink of death,
yet I am still alive

Struggling with what remains of my life

I pray to heaven and Buddha

To end my misery soon

I call out to my late parents

To take me to the other world

To keep you company

Mom and I are both strong,

but we can be vulnerable
when no one's around.

YEAR 2

Spirits, please bless us,

let them have a successful year
on Getai this year.

Help them to attend every single
Getai and not miss out on any.

No traffic jams,
ensure all the cars stay at home!

Bless them with good health,

and let my son not play
with that chicken all day.

And remember,
bless me with good complexion,

and let me always be beautiful.

Let us prosper!

I've booked all the Getais
for you this year.

Even though the doctor says
you're getting better,

you still have to take care of yourself!

You, stop smoking so much!

His joss sticks and incense
are suffocating enough.

Here, this has been blessed,
eat it and you'll prosper.

- Prosper!
- Prosper!

Prosper!

How do I eat such a big piece?

Good, this gives me a chance to serve you.

I can cut a piece off for you everyday.

Put this in the fridge,
and serve it to the guests at my funeral.

Silly child!

Be quiet.

How can you say such inauspicious things
in the seventh month?

You can only say: Chi Hwa Hwa.

Chi Hwa Hwa

Louder

Chi Hwa Hwa

Louder

Chi Hwa Hwa

Louder!

Chi Hwa Hwa

We'll each take half

And our love won't fall apart

We'll each take a little

And our love will last long

Different people
have different relationships

How can they be compared?

We'll each take a bite

And we'll never split up

Everyone has dreams of their own

Why am I so obsessed with you?

I long for you, my heart hurts for you

And yet you ditched me heartlessly

The more I think, the more confused I get

Because of you I feel lost
And my heart feels heavy

You have your pursuits
You have your dreams

How would you possibly think
of me as your love?

We'll each take half

And our love won't fall apart

We'll each take a bite

And we'll never split up

Ong Bok Kwa.

Are you still on your medication?

You know about the side effects
of steroids, right?

The doctor said my condition
has improved greatly.

So, I can continue singing this year.

He didn't prescribe any medicine today.

Little Papaya said nothing.

She just remained silent.

We'll each take half

And our love won't fall apart

We'll each take a little

And our love will last long

Stop singing. How shameful!

They've made up and you're still singing,
how shameful!

Sister!

Sister!

You can't sing better than me
no matter how hard you try.

Give it up!

All right, we'll not sing.

- We're going on strike!
- What? Going on strike?

I almost forgot to tell you,
I have booked many Getais for you!

By the way,

Yes, I must tell you,
there are rules for performing at Getais!

What rules?

Waiting For Nobody can't be sung,

waiting for nobody means
waiting for ghosts!

I Laugh Whenever I See You
also can't be sung.

It's too short, and bosses don't like it.

Either he goes crazy or you go crazy!

It Is Raining Non-stop also can't be sung.

The gods don't like it
when it rains non-stop.

And also, I'll Wait For Your
Eventual Return can't be sung too.

If you sing it,
you're asking the spirits to wait for you!

It's okay if the God of Hell shows up.

It would be horrible
if an old sex maniac showed up!

Yes, Aunty Ling,

every time we change,
there would be Peeping Toms around!

Some would even grope us by force!

You've struck gold!

If you meet someone like that again,
give him my number.

If he needs love, I'll give it to him
because I need love too!

But I'm afraid when he
tries to open the can,

he'll slam it back shut
because he'll see how rusty it is.

Aunty Ling, not the old sex maniacs!

You've already met that big sex maniac,
what else are you afraid of?

In my heyday,

his father kept grabbing my butt,

and it got bigger!

Sex maniac techno!

No response.

Guan Yin!

Sex Maniac techno!

Sex Maniac techno!

My mom loves to take in the strays.

Here, we are all strays.

It's come loose!

Has it come loose? Move a little.

Don't forget to pluck the hairs!

It's so loose?

Can't be!

I'm very accurate even
when it comes to gambling,

why is it not accurate this time?

Guan Yin!

It's so stretched out of shape!

Guan Yin! Look!

It's so stretched out of shape.

Yeah, I think so too.

Be professional, not personal!

This darned chicken!

Who takes measurements this way?

Your eyes can only look one way, not two!

How can you be accurate like this?

Be professional, concentrate,
think harder.

You can only eat one bowl of rice
at a time.

If you eat too fast,
you'll break the bowl.

You'll choke trying to eat
two bowls at once!

Just like your father!

I'll help him.

Hand.

The sun is already up,
you're still sleeping?

Even the cock has risen,
and you're still sleeping.

There are many shows tonight.

If you miss out on any, you're in trouble!

I reserved this seat, this is my seat!

What, your seat?
Is your name written on it?

Why did you throw my stuff there?

Didn't you see my stuff here just now?

What? That's your stuff?

I thought that was garbage!

Didn't you see my clothes hanging here?

Get them to sing, then!

Get your clothes to sing!

But I was here much earlier!

If I didn't see you, it doesn't count!

You think I'm afraid of you?
Auntie, you see, she is so unreasonable.

If you are not seen in the queue,
it doesn't count!

What do you want?

You want a fight?

You stupid bamboo pole...

As Mom says, laws are laws,
rules are rules.

Getai works on a first come
first serve basis,

even if you have a mountain to back you.

In January

Women come out
for a stroll with their husbands

Traffic is congested
and the streets are noisy

Godfather!

Relax!

I don't want to!

Relax!

Her husband passed away
when she was 17 or 18

Her eyes are red and she weeps

When will her son grow up?

Godfather, look at Papaya!

Disgusting! Acting cute!

Don't worry, Durians are the best!

Thanks, Godfather!

Xue Mei feels a lump in her throat

Whenever she sees her son

It has been drizzling the entire night

Xue Mei does not weave nor do embroidery

She sits by the memorial table
the entire day

Hey, look!

What are Getai singers most afraid of?

Missing bookings!

Let's mess them up!

So clever!

In March it is the Qing Ming Festival

Families go and pay respects to the dead

The next stage, go!

Guan Yin, let's go!

You...

That's enough! Do you know the rules?

You two hog one side each.

You sure she can make it here in time?

- No problem!
- You want to queue?

Sure, we'll queue here too!

What if she doesn't show up?

Whatever.

Leave!

Go...

What are you doing? Get out!

Go...

Thank you, Godfather!

Hello? I can't hear you...

Aunty Ling, can you come down now?

Those spoof singers are picking on us.

Wherever we go, they're there to block us.

We'll miss a show tonight at this rate.

- What do we do?
- What? Curse them! Wait for me!

Shut the door!

- Hurry up!
- Wait for me!

In May,
the Dragon Boat Festival has arrived

Drums and gongs make a din at the lake

Women come in and join the festivities

With their husbands and children

Only Xue Mei stays in her empty bedroom

A pair of lovebirds has been torn apart

A loving couple
has been ruthlessly separated

My son is still young

How long must I wait before he grows up?

We got here first!

We were queueing here much earlier!

Don't jump the queue!

Which eye of yours saw us
jumping the queue?

Everyone is trying to make a living.

Why are you always harassing us?

Do we?

No?

You stole so many of our shows.

What more do you want?

Yeah?

Techno bitch!

Tech your head!

Funny calling yourselves "Papaya"
even though you have no boobs.

Relax.

Better than you brainless Durians!

Rotten Spoof Singers!

What? How dare you snatch
our Fairy's feathers?

What lousy Fairy?

Just a retired old fart!

Better than you two Durians!

You can't even lip-sync properly!

Sluts.

Go kill yourself!

Don't fight!

Hold it!

What are you doing?

You're Getai singers,
not hooligans out to cause trouble.

What happened? Speak.

What is there to say?

If I say the Durian Sisters sing,
they sing.

What did you say?

What? My friend,
there are rules at the Getai.

You don't get to call the shots!

Rules? What rules?

Their shoe is already on stage.
What rules?

Shoe on stage?

My clothes have been hanging
here since yesterday,

does that count?

What are you talking about?

You're not happy?

If you weren't a woman,
I'd punch you in the face!

Excuse me, how are you related to them?

I am their Godfather!

Yes! With money you are their Godfather,

without money
you can only cry for their father!

What?

Let me tell you.

Singing at Getai
is not about whose fist is bigger.

This is Xian Yin Getai,
the highest authority is the boss.

Boss, what do you say?

Getai is only for a month,
the seventh month.

If you want to squabble over
who is going to sing,

I think we should decide
by the divination chips.

Yes, this sounds reasonable.

Let's throw the divination chips!

Go ahead! You might not win!

That you don't know! We'll see!

All right, let's throw the chips.

Let's throw!

Spirits, please...

The holy combination! We win!

Yes, you might have won.

But we know your every move.

Beware of retribution!

Those rotten spoof singers!

Does it hurt?

I just want to
finish this year's singing well!

Not only this year.

We will sing on for many years!

I just want to complete
this year's singing.

We are the fearless Papaya Sisters!

I just want to complete
this year's singing.

Don't be afraid.

Even if we lose everything,

we still have Aunty Ling,
we still have Guan Yin,

we still have many years!

I just want to complete
this year's singing.

We have plenty of time.

I just want to complete
this year's singing.

We have plenty of time.

We have plenty of time.

I just want to complete
this year's singing.

God of the town,

please bless the Papaya Sisters
so that they will gain popularity,

and their popularity will last!

Also, let those two Durians
run into trouble every time.

Let them rot and stink,
so that they won't trample on others!

Guan Yin, the weapon!

Is this the weapon?

Hurry up, you're always so slow!

Just like your father.

What's there to see?
Can you recite this? Can you say this?

Go back and play with your chicken.

"Techno!"

Go back and play with your chicken,
don't you understand?

I'll hit your head, hit you
till you can't stick your head out...

Aunty Ling, they're not Cantonese.

Simple.

I'll hit your head, hit you
till you can't stick your head out...

Aunty Ling, they speak English!

English! They know, I know too!

Hit the little man's head,
hit him until he's dizzy.

Hit the little man's mouth, hit.

Aren't we vicious doing this?

We can't do this.

We are religious people.

We must overcome them with moral values.

Mine is damaged, can't be used anymore.

You hit!

Hit! What are you waiting for?

Touch your durian head

So that good fortune will follow you

Touch your durian face

So that you have a good network

Touch your durian hand

So that you will have good co-ordination

Touch your durian heart

So that you'll be happy every day!

Sisters, let's do it!

Touch your durian head

So that good fortune will follow you...

Dad!

You're back! Come on in!

Where's Mom?

She went grocery shopping.
She'll be back soon.

Have a seat.

Dad, this money...

No. Having you back is good enough.

Or why not wait
for your mother to come back,

then you can give it to her?

How are things? Everything fine?

Aunty Ling is a little crazy sometimes,
but she is very kind to me.

That puts my mind at ease.

She's back.

Mom, this money is for you.

I...

She's like that, don't take it to heart.

Are you crazy?

She came back out of goodwill to see you
and even gave you money.

How could you have done that?

I know she sings at Getai,
but what's wrong with that?

Weren't you a Getai singer as well?

How could you do that?

Mother, mother

My dearest mother

You've had

Such a pitiful life

I'm kneeling in front of you

Calling out to you

Even your soul

Seems to have dissipated

The worst good-for-nothing
is someone like me

Able-bodied, but lazy and refusing to work

I've caused my family
great financial trouble

Now I'm in prison lamenting my past

It's well-known even if nobody says it

But times are really hard now!

Damn, it's them again!

Stinking spoof singers!

How can you bring your family overseas?

It's well-known even if nobody says it

But times are really hard now!

Do not spend lavishly

When the economy is bad, you will suffer!

Get me my medicine.

You should be pragmatic

Do not act arbitrarily

The various different lotteries

Buy some with the hope of striking it rich

Everyone says this

Everyone knows this

Times are really hard now!

Guan Yin!

Only women with no substance
need to rely on a man.

Shameless!

Only women with no substance
backstab others!

You came looking for a duel?

Any time!

You can't speak Mandarin properly,
yet you try to sing at Getai!

The 30th night of this month!

Location?

Li Xing Stage!

Losers...

- Should retire forever!
- Should retire forever!

- We're on!
- We're on!

Whatever. Bye-bye.

Little Papaya!

Hold her quick!

BATTLE OF THE FRUITY SISTERS

Do not complain

That society is unfair

Our fate is destined
the moment we were born

Good, bad, it's all
in the birth characters

Some are born with a silver spoon

Some have to beg for their entire lives

The newspapers have nothing better to do.

Such a trivial matter,
and they make such a big fuss!

You, your health is worsening!

The doctor tells me
you have to do doctor therapy...

No, it's chemotherapy!

And you're still worried
about Getai matters?

Those two Durians,
they're pretty, they're rich,

they lead an easier life,
you can't fight with them!

Stop thinking about Getai matters!

Also,

your mother told me
to take good care of you.

If something goes wrong,

how am I going to face her
in the nether world?

Aunty Ling,

didn't you say

that for problems that cannot
be solved immediately,

we have to wait and it will be resolved.

But how can one
who has little time left wait?

You...

You're crazy!

I'll tell your mother later!

Those who fight will win! Start working!

Prosper!

Little Papaya insisted
on being discharged from the hospital.

Everyone came to support her,

because we all knew
this might be her last performance.

One, two, three, four, five,
six, seven, eight. Walk.

Karen!

Come! Here are the costumes
I used to wear,

see if you need them?

I'll go spy on the Durian sisters
to see what they're singing.

Quick! I'll go undercover!

Man, you're a mess! Rehearse properly!

Walk, two, three, four,
five, six, seven, eight.

Turn, two, three, four,
five, six, seven, eight.

Qiu Li, hello!

Little Papaya!

- Qiu Li.
- Hello.

Thanks for helping Jin Lang in the past.

Here's some money
to tide you over during the hard times.

I hope things go well and you succeed!

- Thank you!
- Thank you!

Come support us Durian Sisters!

We're giving away free CDs!

Come support us Durian Sisters!

We're giving away free CDs!

One, two, three, four...

What is it?

Thank you!

Thank you!

Come support us Durian Sisters!

We're giving away free CDs!

Thank you!

Papaya, goodbye!

They think they're running for elections,
so elaborate! Come on!

We have our supporters too!

One, two, three, four!

881, swing and swing!

- Hello?
- Aunty Ling?

I know what they're singing!

The first song is The Spring Wind,
the second song is Can't Stand It...

Hello?

Damn, did her phone get wet?

Put that down!

Listen to the Durians
if you don't want to be a prostitute!

Thankfully there are only the two of you.

If there were another two,
it would be the death of me!

Am I that old? What?

How can you talk
about your mother like that?

I'm so pitiful!

An assassin!

Message on the feather!

The Fairy sends an edict
for me to go see her!

You'd better not go in.

You can't talk anyway,
and I'm afraid you would offend her.

I'll go in myself.

I've been on the Getai Circuit
for so many years,

but I've never seen such tyranny
and monopoly.

The Durian Sisters
are the worst people I've seen!

Not only do they throw darts at singers,
they curse them as well.

This time,
they're out in full force to get you!

Aunty Ling has suffered the most.

We're not rich,

and she has to borrow from everyone,
beg for costumes from everyone,

and sew day and night!

You are the roots of the Papaya
and the leaves of the Papaya.

I am the Papaya tree.

If a tree has no roots and no leaves,
it will die.

Fairy, please guide us again!

I am addressing you as Fairy,

I beg you to help them,

please give them a way out.

Would you please help them?

Seems like it is fated that we've met.

Let me give you a word of advice:
for every effect, there's a cause.

No matter how good you are,
there will always be someone superior.

- You mean...
- You mean...

Let me, the Fairy, protect you.

However,
there is a limit to the protection.

Everything else will depend
on your fortunes.

Sister, back off!

I'll cast my spells.

You!

All right, all right!

Later when you go back,
remember to call Long,

ask him to bring the bicycle,
the police car,

the bulldozer, and the hearse...

Everything! Go!

- Thank you, Fairy!
- Thank you, Fairy!

Let's go...

Even though we were born together,
you are still smarter and more powerful!

We may have been born together,

but he eventually chose you!

The boy who hit the Durian Sisters,
he is...

He is...

The son of Ah Long and I.

The causes and effects run
in an endless cycle.

Guan Yin, you shouldn't have...

You'll be fighting a big battle tomorrow,
and you're still smoking?

Still not sleeping?

Go sleep.

A round of applause for the host,

Singapore's King of Comedy, Lin Li!

LI XING STAGE SHOW

Dear members of the audience,
good evening!

Thank you so much for being here
to support our Li Xing Stage.

Tonight is the duel between
the Papaya sisters and the Durian Sisters.

The losers will have to quit
the Getai circuit forever!

I would like to know, how many are here
to support the Papaya Sisters?

PAPAYA SISTERS

How many are here
to support the Durian Sisters?

DURIAN SISTERS

Wow, the applause seems evenly matched!

You be the judges!

Li Xing stage presents,
the duel of the fruits!

Sitting at Clifford Pier

The cold sea breeze is blowing

I am lonely and heartbroken

Can't help but think of my first love

We were so sweet and loving

And we were always together

My love,
why have you had a change of heart

And forsaken me?

Sitting at Clifford Pier

The cold sea breeze is blowing

I am lonely and heartbroken

Can't help but think of my first love

We were so sweet and loving

And we were always together

My love,
why have you had a change of heart

And forsaken me?

A round of applause for the exciting
performance by the Durian Sisters!

Fantastic!

Coming up next is the second group,

the Papaya Sisters!

Still not here yet?

Then, let's call the Banana Brothers?

Also not here?

What about the Buah Duku team?

What are we going to do?

Everyone knows that for this match,

whoever loses
has to quit the Getai scene forever!

Maybe they don't have the guts to show up?

Since I'm the host today,
let me make a decision.

In the seventh month,

the most popular thing
is shouting for bids.

If within three calls they do not show up,
we'll assume that they quit.

So now,
let me introduce the Papaya Sisters,

calling once!

The Papaya Sisters,

calling twice!

The Papaya Sisters, calling thrice!

Wait!

Massive traffic jam!

Hurry up!

- Sister, you okay?
- Yeah!

I am okay! Let's do it!

Fashion show!

Man, please work harder! Be serious!

881!

Prosper!

- 881!
- Prosper!

Musician, E-flat, please!

Let us welcome again, the Papaya Sisters!

I used to be a dance hostess

Now I am a mamasan

Sashaying around the dance floor
Smiling at customers

Dance hostesses and the mamasans

Must support each other

If customers are looking for the mamasan

Just let me know

I will make arrangements
for them to dance with the girls

Or bring them out!

Robert Lee

You can have the mamasan if you want

When the place is filled with customers

We can barely manage

Lily is here, Nancy is there
All sashaying around

The girls beam
when they are tipped by customers

You can ascend,
but we can ascend to the sky!

There is always someone superior!

The audience is our stage!

We have Karen, your good friend.

Karen!

No wonder!

I haven't heard from her
since she called that day.

She was waylaid by these two Durians!

No fear! Change!

I know I can't wait anymore

I want to come embrace you immediately

If there is true emotion
in this first love

Then I don't care about pledges or oaths

I really want to be together with you

Holding your hand
Sweetly snuggling up to you

How do you know I love you wholeheartedly?

We will lead a carefree life together

You are just like a flower

So red in your blossom

Emitting such a fragrance

My love for you is already so deep

I can't stand it

I want to hold you tight

This love has made me disoriented

I can't wait anymore
Because I'm loving you

Get into formation!

You stinking Spoof Singers! That's enough!

We are all singers, don't go overboard!

Our Durians are bursting front and back

If you have guts, take it all off

We're sworn sisters, united at heart

Just like the white and green snakes!

The Papaya Sisters are the best

So say the aunties and uncles

We are the best!

Yes!

Let's battle to the end!

I'll fight you to my very last breath!

Aunty Ling!

Musician!

Play Selling Sundry Goods!

One sharp!

I left my hometown for five or six years

Running all over the place

Travelled afar to start a business

Selling sundry goods

It is not easy to earn
even a few dollars here

The sun hasn't risen but

I'm already setting my stall by the street

Shouting three times
I'm selling coffee

Don't be afraid, go get changed!

Guan Yin, get the bulldozer in here!

They are all cheap and fresh

Come and buy from me!

The ladies have formed an entire row

I'll attend to you politely

Tell me what you want

My prices are reasonable

After you've tried my goods

Please come again!

I'm calling out to the uncles and aunties

Come and drink coffee

Don't worry, the best comes last!
Get changed!

Guan Yin, get rid of the bulldozer!

It's getting late now
I am going home

Calling 601. Over, okay!

Guan Yin! Come here!

Has the Lion dance troupe arrived?
Arrived!

Musician, play
Don't Pick The Wild Flowers!

Two sharps!

PAPAYA

I understand you care for me

But please do not
pick the wild flowers by the road

Are we fated to be together?

Just let heaven decide
And accept the outcome

If you want to force your way through

You are but an oaf!

The spring breeze blows
And it blows so randomly

The wild birds fly

And where do they go?

Are we fated to be together?

Just take things as they are
No need to search for an answer

There are actually so many
brokenhearted people in this world

The spring breeze blows

And it blows on a young man

The wild birds fly

And where do they go?

Please do not
pick the wild flowers by the road

For there are but a few in this world
who are willing to give their hearts

On a lonely night
A girls waits under a lamp

A light breeze blowing in her face

She is already 17 or 18
But still not married

And she thinks of a young man

Copycat!

Techno cat!

Close the doors!

881! Swing and swing!

I left my hometown for five or six years

Running all over the place

Travelled afar to start a business

Selling sundry goods

Hurry! Run!

It's a trap!

Little Papaya...

Big Papaya...

Little Papaya...

Little Papaya...

Little Papaya...

Little Papaya...

Little Papaya...

Big Papaya...

- Little Papaya...
- Big Papaya...

Each...

Takes half and our relationship

Won't split...

Each takes a quarter...

And our relationship will last...

Little Papaya...

Big Papaya...

Little Papaya...

Little Papaya...

Little Papaya...

PAPAYA SISTERS MOVE AUDIENCE TO TEARS

Take me to the hospital.

Take me there!

Big Papaya, have we won?

Fairy, I beg of you,
please save Little papaya. I beg of you!

You saw this coming, didn't you?

It is all fate!

Goddess, this is not her fate!

I was the one who sinned!

Goddess, I beg of you!

Please let me take her place!

I want to take her place!

Goddess, I beg of you!

Aunty Ling,

I want to ask you,

if the passage of time could be reversed,

what would you most like to change?

Many things!

If you had a choice,

would you still give birth to Guan Yin?

Do you still miss his father?

I love him! I loved him to death!

But I have a secret

I never told anyone.

Actually, the person
Guan Yin's father really loved

was my sister.

Aunty Ling,

what does it feel like to be with a man?

Talking about men, that's my forte!

I can go on for three days
and three nights without stopping!

Please, tell me!

If you love somebody,

your heart will itch the moment
you see him.

The more you see him,
the more your heart itches.

The itch intensifies by a hundred times,
a thousand times, 10,000 times!

Only when it reaches its limit
do you feel relieved!

What if it is someone you truly like,

you truly love?

Then you'll be totally disoriented!

You will even forget your father's name.

You feel like
the only thing you want to do

is be together with him every day,

and let him see
every part of your body clearly.

Aunty Ling,

why do you always seem so happy?

I am the sun, you are the moon,

Big Papaya is the stars.

The sun must be bright enough
to brighten the moon and the stars.

Then you can shine!

Big Papaya, what happened to you?

The seventh month is over,

the spirits
didn't take you back with them?

What happened to you?
You look like a ghost!

The God of Hell forgot
to haul you back there?

I have something to tell you.

I...

My phone's battery died.

Let me go charge my phone.

I...

Guan Yin...

Take half each,
and our relationship won't split.

Just be happy.

Tell me, was it good?

Trust me,

no matter what happens,

I will sing on with you!

The doctor seems
to have changed my medicine,

kept me up the entire night.

Last night my parents came
to take care of me.

Brother Jin Lang
also came to keep me company.

He quit smoking,
and he looks so much better!

He looks even more radiant than you!

Also, he was wearing a new shirt,

but it wasn't as furry as ours.

Ours are still more beautiful!

Aunty Ling is the best!

Before he left,

he sang me a song.

What song?

Does it sound nice?

I'm in great pain due to my illness

Constantly visiting the hospital

The injections make me lose my hair

The drugs make me vomit

I lie on my bed the whole day

I pray to heaven and Buddha

To end my misery soon

I call out to my late parents

To take me to the other world

To keep you company

Life is just like a show

Our fortunes are destined by heaven

Do not blame your parents for a bad life

Do not complain that society is unfair

Our fate is destined from birth

Good, bad
It's all in the birth characters

Some are born with a silver spoon

Some have to beg

For their entire lives

How sad?

How sad?

How pitiful my life is?

The first chapter of my pitiful life

Born into a red-light district
And life is hard

Life is terrible and I am in a bad state

I have to slog hard to eke out a living

The second chapter of my pitiful life

My life is hard and my heart hurts

Stepmother didn't care for me

She only wanted to marry
for a meal ticket!

The third chapter of my pitiful life

Often working late into the night

Even if I have a fever or feel dizzy

I still have to continue working

The fourth chapter of my pitiful life

I have to attend to customers good and bad

I give them my best
But they're unsatisfied

They scold me and they slap me

The fifth chapter of my pitiful life

Some people are totally unsympathetic

He gives me very little money

And yet he hits me and he scolds me

That was the last time
I heard them singing together.

After Little Papaya died,
my mother never laughed again.

I'm in great pain due to my illness

Constantly visiting the hospital

The injections make me lose my hair

The drugs make me vomit

I lie on my bed the whole day

I pray to heaven and Buddha

To end my misery soon

I call out to my late parents

To take me to the other world

To keep you company

I am only in my 40s this year

But I am tortured by this disease

I am on the brink of death
Yet I am still alive

Struggling with what remains of my life

I pray to heaven and Buddha

To end my misery soon

I call out to my late parents

To take me to the other world

To keep you company

Now I look forward
to the seventh month more.

The only time
that we can be together again.

During the seventh month, Getai.

I pray to heaven and Buddha

To end my misery soon

I call out to my late parents

To take me to the other world

To keep you company

I've had enough of the suffering here