Apprentice (2016)

Inevitably, a transfer to a maximum security prison will eventually challenge the integrity and ethics of a young correctional officer on his way to become a chief executioner.

Director:

Junfeng Boo

Writers:

Junfeng Boo (story), Junfeng Boo

Stars:

Firdaus Rahman, Wan Hanafi Su, Mastura Ahmad

6 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Firdaus Rahman	...	Aiman
Wan Hanafi Su	...	Rahim
Mastura Ahmad	...	Suhaila
Boon Pin Koh	...	James
Nickson Cheng	...	Joseph
Crispian Chan	...	Randy
Gerald Chew	...	Hock
Ong Chao Hong	...	Death Row Officer
Sean Tobin	...	John
Delon Tan	...	Twin
Dillon Tan	...	Twin
Najib Soiman	...	Sabir
Goh Mia Chuan Smiley	...	Father Daniel
Prem John	...	Locker Room Officer
Marcus Mok	...	Mr. Siew

Storyline

Aiman is a 28-year-old Malay correctional officer who is recently transferred to the territory's top prison. He lives with his older sister Suhaila in a modest housing estate. At his new workplace, Aiman begins to take an interest in a 65-year-old sergeant named Rahim. Soon, it is revealed that the charismatic Rahim is actually the long-serving chief executioner of the prison. Rahim also takes notice of the principled and diligent Aiman. When Rahim's assistant suddenly quits, he asks Aiman to become his apprentice. Aiman tells Suhaila of his new job position, but Suhaila becomes upset, as their father was actually executed by Rahim. Aiman knew this all along. Can Aiman overcome his conscience and a haunted past to possibly take over as the next chief executioner?

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Plot Keywords:

executioner | prison | apprentice | maximum security prison | malay | 

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Taglines:

A good executor never asks questions.

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

augenschein FIlmproduktion [Germany]

Country:

Singapore Germany France Hong Kong Qatar

Language:

Malay English

Release Date:

3 March 2017 (USA)

Also Known As:

Tu xing

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$107, 17 March 2017, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$2,578, 14 April 2017

Company Credits

Production Co:

Akanga Film Productions,Augenschein Filmproduktion,Cinémadefacto

Technical Specs

Runtime:

115 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Official submission of Singapore for the 'Best Foreign Language Film' category of the 89th Academy Awards in 2017.

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Quotes

Rahim: Principles are important.
Rahim: Those who have principals, they become leaders.
Rahim: The others who hide behind the rules, they are merely followers.

User Reviews

Malay tale of Capital Punishment

Aiman is 28 and works as a correction office or prison guard as we normally refer to them as. Then he gets transferred to the top 'nick' in the country and this is where they carry out the executions that they are so fond of doing there. Once there he meets Rahim who is charming and World wise. He is drawn to this man who has been the executioner for a long time and knows his craft.

Now as it turns out his father was executed some years before leaving him and his sister in dire straits and affecting them both forever. However, the attraction that Aiman has for Rahim and his special service is stronger than the revulsion and hence he goes on a journey of self discovery.

This is Malay but they speak mostly English but there are sub titles that you may need from time to time which are also quite good. The production values are actually really high and the acting is all top notch too. The story is a simple one but it is compelling and has enough dramatic attention to hold your attention. Recommended for World cinema fans.