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12 Storeys

Name: 12 Storeys
Director: Eric Khoo
Released: 1997
Duration: 105 min

Representation Score

8.5/10

Excellent

1997

Director

Eric Khoo

Runtime

105 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Eric Khoo’s film explores urban alienation using the backdrop of a HDB block. It effectively portrays a fragmented society by setting its vignettes in a realistic, multi-ethnic Singapore. The film avoids superficial representation of diversity. The film excels in depicting a diverse society and in its sensitive handling of mental health issues. However, it falls short due to the absence of LGBTQ+ visibility and a focus on traditional family structures.

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Category Breakdown

Does 12 Storeys have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not prominently feature LGBTQ+ stories. It focuses mainly on heterosexual relationships and domestic issues without including queer identities.

How does 12 Storeys portray gender?

Good

The story centers around women dealing with personal and financial struggles within their homes. Characters like San San and Lily face deep emotional and economic challenges.

How racially and ethnically diverse is 12 Storeys?

Excellent

The film showcases Singapore's diverse population with actors representing Chinese, Malay, and Indian communities. This helps avoid a monolithic depiction of the city.

How does 12 Storeys represent religion and culture?

Good

The story criticizes the dehumanizing impact of urban development and modern capitalism. It emphasizes existential themes over specific religious or cultural traditions.

Does 12 Storeys include disability representation?

Good

The film handles mental health and psychological distress with sensitivity. San San’s experiences with auditory hallucinations highlight the impact of trauma in a realistic manner.

Present on Screen

The film realistically reflects Singapore's multicultural society through diverse ethnic casting.
It presents mental health and psychological trauma with sensitivity and nuance.
The narrative delves deeply into the emotional struggles of female characters in domestic settings.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks explicit LGBTQ+ representation or central queer narratives.
The focus remains heavily on traditional family structures and straight-centered relationships.

Official Synopsis

The film depicts 24 hours in a HDB block of residential flats in Singapore. There are three main storylines. San San, fat, silent, and alone, hears the ghost of her mother constantly upbraid her. Ah Gu, a tofu soup vendor, is at odds with Lily, his materialistic immigrant wife, who longs for something he cannot provide. Meng spouts every moralistic bromide of the striving middle class, but is unhinged by his teenage sister May ("Trixie" to her boyfriend) who won't study, parties all night, and seems doomed by youth culture.

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