The film follows the lives of a small group of 18 year old conscripts from different classes and backgrounds, who are undergoing their basic military training in the Singaporean Army. The plot is as shallow as they come; in fact "plot" is perhaps the wrong word since the film is really just a series of events that occur, with a few loose threads of story included - such as the relationship between Krishna and his girlfriend and the mysterious absence of Kenny's family. These loose threads are unconvincingly tied up towards the end of the film, in a nauseatingly over-acted scene of contrived drama. As unsuccessful as it is, this drama is necessary in order to maintain the viewers' interest, because the rest of the film is so boring and unfunny. The film is mainly about the camaraderie between the group, and the idea that the army can be fun as well as difficult. I was tempted to not watch the final scene because I thought it'd be one of those nauseating "friends forever" endings. (Oh, I guess you could consider the following line a minor spoiler, not that anyone will care.) For some reason, I did see the film through, and indeed that's what it was - have your vomit bags handy.
The only shred of redemption in this film is the characters, all of whom are very likable - except for the irritating gay stereotype Kenny. The fact that the actor can't even make a simple gay stereotype funny shows just how little talent there is in this film.
Why oh why was this film commissioned? The only possible explanation I can come up with is that it is a piece of propaganda, intended to convince Singapore's young men that their National Service will be a hoot - but even that is no excuse for desecrating the art of cinema in this way. Army Daze might be a classic of Singaporean cinema, but unfortunately by any other standards it is appalling. It doesn't even fit into the "so bad it's good" category. Let it be known that I have no prejudice against non-western films; in fact some of my favourite films are from Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea and elsewhere. I even quite liked the Singaporean sitcom "Under One Roof" - but if this is the best Singapore can do in terms of cinema then I will be sure in the future to avoid watching any other films made there.
The only shred of redemption in this film is the characters, all of whom are very likable - except for the irritating gay stereotype Kenny. The fact that the actor can't even make a simple gay stereotype funny shows just how little talent there is in this film.
Why oh why was this film commissioned? The only possible explanation I can come up with is that it is a piece of propaganda, intended to convince Singapore's young men that their National Service will be a hoot - but even that is no excuse for desecrating the art of cinema in this way. Army Daze might be a classic of Singaporean cinema, but unfortunately by any other standards it is appalling. It doesn't even fit into the "so bad it's good" category. Let it be known that I have no prejudice against non-western films; in fact some of my favourite films are from Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea and elsewhere. I even quite liked the Singaporean sitcom "Under One Roof" - but if this is the best Singapore can do in terms of cinema then I will be sure in the future to avoid watching any other films made there.