12 Lotus () is a 2008 Singaporean musical drama film written and directed by Royston Tan, starring Qi Yuwu, Liu Lingling and Mindee Ong. The film was released in theatres on 14 August 2008 and was screened at the 13th Busan International Film Festival in October 2008. The film performed poorly at the local box office, grossing against a budget of .
Plot Spanning over the 1980s, 1990s till the present day, 12 Lotus tells the story of a singer who is constantly used and abused by the men in her life, against the backdrop of a string of melancholic Hokkien songs.
Cast Main and supporting Qi Yuwu as Ah Long / Long 2 Liu Lingling as Older Liu Lianhua Mindee Ong as Liu Lianhua Huang Yiliang as Lianhua's father Hao Hao as Adult Xiao Feixia Li Bao En as Liu Lianhua (kid) Damus Lim as Xiao Feixia (kid) Aaron Tan as Young gambler / Ah Long's accomplice Yeo Yann Yann as Long 2's girlfriend Guo Min as Xiao Feixia's mother Auntie Fen as Opera actress Sam Loo as Getai host Amy Yang as Getai host Baobei Sisters as themselves Samantha Tan as Xiao Feixia's girlfriend Wang Yan Bin as Brother Tiger
The film also features the Sin Sai Feng opera troupe and the band Funkie Monkies Amps.
Special appearances Stefanie Sun as Goddess of Mercy (opera). Tan initially planned to have a real opera actress to play the role but eventually decided to cast Sun. David Gan as himself.
Production The film was shot in 23 days.
Sun's role as Goddess of Mercy was kept a secret and her scene was filmed at 3am on 1 March at a kampung set constructed on an open field in Paya Lebar. Due to the secrecy of her involvement, less than five crew members were on scene.
Sun's goddess costume was custom tailored for her and handsewn in Taiwan, costing $5,000 with Ong's lotus dress costing $6,000.
Awards and nominations YearAwardsCategoryRecipientResultRef.2008 45th Golden Horse Awards Best Original Film Score Ricky Ho 2009 22nd Singapore International Film Festival Awards Best Director Royston Tan
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