SINGAPORE – Two Singapore films that debuted at the Cannes Film Festival this week have earned good reviews and – in the case of one – received a standing ovation at its premiere.
The audience’s positive reaction to local film-maker Boo Junfeng’s sophomore feature film, Apprentice, reportedly brought the 32-year-old and others to tears.
Apprentice, a passion project which took Boo five years to make, revolves around a young prison guard, Aiman (Fir Rahman), who forges a relationship with the prison’s chief executioner Rahim (Wan Hanafi Su).
Boo told The Straits Times: “The reviews have been very encouraging. People have come up to us on the streets congratulating us. It has been a wonderful experience for all of us.”
In its review, The Hollywood Reporter said the film “passes with flying colours”, and praised its directorial flair and thematic complexity.
“This is not your run-of-the-mill penal drama or anti-capital punishment pamphlet – should help further consolidate Boo’s own reputation as one of the region’s names to watch,” the review added.
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