Singaporean Film "We Are All Strangers" Competes at Berlinale

"We Are All Strangers," directed by Anthony Chen, marks a significant milestone as the first Singaporean film to compete at the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale). This film is the concluding piece of Chen's acclaimed "Growing Up" trilogy, which includes "Ilo Ilo" and "Wet Season." The narrative focuses on modern-day Singapore, exploring themes of class inequality and the evolving definition of family.

Variety Magazine

The film centers on 21-year-old Junyang, who navigates the complexities of adulthood while his father struggles to maintain their modest household. The plot thickens when Junyang's relationship with his girlfriend takes an unexpected turn, compelling the young couple to confront adult responsibilities. Concurrently, a vibrant woman enters Junyang's father's life, disrupting the delicate balance between father and son.

Variety Magazine

Anthony Chen, a notable figure in Singaporean cinema, produced "We Are All Strangers" through his production company, Giraffe Pictures. The film features performances from Yeo Yann Yann and Koh Jia Ler, both of whom have received critical acclaim for their roles in Chen's previous works. Yeo has won the Golden Horse Award for best supporting actress for "Ilo Ilo" and best actress for "Wet Season," while Koh has received multiple nominations. The film's production was supported by the Singapore Film Commission, the Red Sea Fund, and the MPA APSA Academy Film Fund, with executive producers including Joe Tsai, Arthur Wang, and K.H. Kuok.

Variety Magazine

Michèle Halberstadt, CEO of ARP Selection, expressed admiration for the film, stating, “We simply fell in love with this family, and with the way Anthony Chen depicts the dreams, the failures, the intimacy of each of its members.” She highlighted the film's emotional depth and its portrayal of Singapore, calling it “a deeply moving film which we are very proud to introduce to French audiences.”

Variety Magazine

While the film has garnered praise, there may be differing opinions regarding its portrayal of class inequalities in Singapore. Critics may argue that the film's narrative oversimplifies complex social issues or does not fully capture the diverse experiences of Singaporean families. However, specific dissenting voices have not been prominently featured in the current discourse surrounding the film.

Variety Magazine

As "We Are All Strangers" competes at Berlinale, it will be interesting to observe its reception among international audiences and critics, potentially influencing future representations of Singaporean cinema on the global stage. The film's participation in this prestigious festival may also open doors for further discussions on the themes it presents.

Variety Magazine

• “We simply fell in love with this family, and with the way Anthony Chen depicts the dreams, the failures, the intimacy of each of its members,” — Michèle Halberstadt, CEO of ARP Selection.

Variety Magazine