Movie Review: Apprentice (M18)
Kudos to local director Boo Junfeng for handling a touchy subject with dignity.
There is nothing macabre about this drama, which focuses on correctional officer
Aiman's (Firdaus Rahman) fascination with the hangman's job.
Boo cleverly leads you on as he slowly reveals Aiman's morbid curiosity.
We see how he tries to get close to the prison's chief executioner Rahim (Wan Hanafi Su) so when it is time for Rahim to pick a successor, Aiman becomes the natural choice.
Aiman initially hides his apprenticeship from his elder sister Suhaila (Mastura Ahmad).
He also withholds crucial information in his application form about his family background.
Why all the secrecy?
You'll probably be able to guess the answer but it does not matter.
This beautifully shot film lets you dwell on the relationship between Aiman and Rahim, which is well played by the two actors.
Unfortunately, the ending is quite a cop-out.
Rating: 3/5
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