Singapore Family Drama 'We Are All Strangers' Premieres at Berlin Film Festival

The new Singaporean film 'We Are All Strangers' is 157 minutes long, longer than many typical movies. It shows a family dealing with big life changes.
By Newsroom | Film, Arts & Culture |

This film, "We Are All Strangers," by director Anthony Chen, has premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival. It explores the complex relationships within a Singaporean family, focusing on generational differences and personal crises. The movie has generated considerable discussion for its portrayal of everyday life and its ambition to capture a specific time and place through relatable human experiences.

Context: A Cinematic Homecoming

"We Are All Strangers" marks director Anthony Chen's return to Singaporean storytelling after previous international projects. The film is noted as the conclusion to his unofficial "Growing Up" trilogy, following "Ilo Ilo" and "Wet Season." It was presented in the Competition section of the 76th Berlinale. The film runs for 157 minutes and features a cast including Yeo Yann Yann, Koh Jia Ler, Andi Lim, and Regene Lim. The story centers on the interwoven lives of Junyang, a young man facing adulthood, and his father, Boon Kiat, as they navigate their respective romantic lives and the challenges of family.

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Core Narrative Threads

The film weaves together several significant plotlines, presenting them in parallel and often intersecting ways:

We Are All Strangers review – two weddings and a baby in marvellously addictive family drama - 1

  • Dual Romances: The story follows two distinct romantic arcs. One involves Boon Kiat and Bee Hwa, a late-life romance. The other involves Junyang, whose relationship with Lydia faces hurdles.

  • Generational Friction: A key theme is the tension between different generations. This is evident in Junyang's perceived desperation for quick financial gain versus his father's steady, grounded approach.

  • Unexpected Life Changes: The narrative includes events like unexpected pregnancies and significant shifts in characters' lives, impacting their relationships and circumstances.

  • Family Bonds: The film examines how familiar bonds change when new members are introduced or when existing members face difficulties, such as sharing a cramped living space.

Thematic Explorations

"We Are All Strangers" delves into a variety of human experiences and societal observations:

Parental Sacrifice and Values

The film contrasts different approaches to life and parenting. Boon Kiat, depicted as a grounded figure who has not increased his prices in a decade, offers advice that appears to form the movie's moral core. He is shown to be willing to make significant financial sacrifices, even at personal risk, to support his son.

"In life, it’s better to be grounded than to have empty, lofty dreams,” is a sentiment attributed to Boon Kiat, highlighting a core value presented in the film.

The Challenges of Adulthood and Responsibility

The transition into adulthood and the weight of responsibilities are central to the experiences of characters like Junyang and Lydia. Their relationship reportedly "curdles under the weight of adult responsibility."

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We Are All Strangers review – two weddings and a baby in marvellously addictive family drama - 2

  • The characters are depicted as living in close quarters, sharing a single bathroom, which underscores the lack of personal space and the intense nature of their shared lives.

  • Junyang and Bee Hwa are shown to be involved in selling over-the-border over-the-counter medicine via social media, a situation that is initially perceived as low but evolves.

Late-Life Romance and Acceptance

The relationship between Boon Kiat and Bee Hwa offers a different perspective on love and partnership.

  • Bee Hwa, played by Yeo Yann Yann, is described as a complex character, at times working as a bar server for tips while living with her brother and his child.

  • Her reaction to a marriage proposal is noted: she "roars with laughter" but doesn't say no.

  • A specific scene where Boon Kiat insists on accompanying a drunken Bee Hwa home to ensure her safety is highlighted as a significant moment.

Filmmaking Style and Influence

Director Anthony Chen's approach to storytelling in "We Are All Strangers" has been analyzed for its style and influences.

  • The filmmaking is described as "forthright and wholehearted," with an "addictively brash storytelling" energy.

  • One reviewer noted a resemblance to the ambitions of filmmaker Edward Yang, aiming to tell a story of a place through the mundane experiences of its inhabitants.

  • The film is characterized by its depiction of Singapore, featuring "bustling street scenes, towering apartment blocks, and late-night drinks."

Critical Reception and Observations

Reviews indicate a mixed but generally engaged response to "We Are All Strangers."

  • Praise: The film is called "marvellously addictive family drama" and praised for its "marvellous sympathy for the whole cast." Its "page-turning novelistic energy" and "beauty and poetry in the everyday" are also highlighted.

  • Critique: Some reviews found aspects of the film to be less successful. One noted that the film "seems otherwise unable to match her [Yeo Yann Yann's] complexity" and felt "clumsy and overdetermined" compared to earlier works. Another reviewer mentioned that the film "takes a minute to find its rhythm" and questioned whether an AI could create such "modest simplicity."

Conclusion: A Tapestry of Modern Singapore

"We Are All Strangers" presents itself as a detailed exploration of family, love, and the generational shifts occurring in contemporary Singapore. The film appears to capture a specific cultural moment through its focus on relatable, everyday struggles and triumphs. While certain aspects of its execution have drawn varied opinions, the film’s ambitious scope and its portrayal of complex human relationships have secured its place as a significant entry in Anthony Chen's filmography and the Berlinale selection. Further analysis of the film's socioeconomic commentary and its nuanced character development would be warranted.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the new film 'We Are All Strangers' about?
'We Are All Strangers' is a new movie by director Anthony Chen that shows the difficult relationships in a Singaporean family. It talks about different ages in the family and their personal problems. The movie is 157 minutes long.
Q: Where did 'We Are All Strangers' first show?
The film 'We Are All Strangers' was first shown at the Berlin International Film Festival. It was part of the main competition section.
Q: Who are the main actors in 'We Are All Strangers'?
The main actors in the film are Yeo Yann Yann, Koh Jia Ler, Andi Lim, and Regenerate Lim. They play the members of a Singaporean family facing different life challenges.
Q: What are the main themes in 'We Are All Strangers'?
The movie looks at love in different stages of life, problems between parents and children, and how people change when big events happen. It shows how families stay close even when things are hard.
Q: How long is the movie 'We Are All Strangers'?
The movie 'We Are All Strangers' has a running time of 157 minutes. This is about 2 hours and 37 minutes.
Q: What is special about the director Anthony Chen's new film?
This film is special because it is the last part of his 'Growing Up' series of movies. It shows everyday life in Singapore and how people deal with growing up and family responsibilities.