Ah Boys to Men

So I just finished the movie "From Ah Boys to Men" and I must say my $7.50 was worth it.
There are several things to ponder about with respect to this single event: 1) how much would you go to "save" the $2-$4? 2) Did people join mainly of watching or did peer pressure exerted more influence? But those can be put aside, I am focusing on the review.

It is no rocket science to conclude that local shows cannot cater to the international market. However it is precisely that very characteristic that allows it to strike a chord in me. It is no longer simply a smattering of Singlish, but rather a wide plethora of "Singaporean behavior" plainly exhibited. What the motives are can be varied: Is Jack Neo poking fun at our behaviors? Or is he giving us a warning to our incessant self-mindedness?


"Ah Boys" engaged a wide range of stereotypical characters present in the Army, and many I am rather familiar with. For a story with such diverse characters, 1.5 hours is definitely not enough for any in-depth character development, but some credit should be given for the effort to develop the protagonist (albeit the very unbelievably sharp 180 degree change in attitude - which was played with some humour as well).
The most compelling reason to watch the show is the fact it resonates with me very well - I am the very sergeant who gets to observe such actions first hand. Many other army personnel might have gone through BMT, but they only have the perspective of the trainee / recruit. For me (and some lucky/unlucky others), I get to have both perspectives - from the commander and the trainee point of view. And the show aced that aspect. In fact, watching the show could be considered a satirical playback of my history - and some of the facts shown were even true (certified by me)! In addition to the army scenes, there was one significant scene which I could relate to: When the protagonist suffered from the (stupidly) self-inflicted heat stroke, he realised that his foolhardy actions had impacted everyone, and hence turned over the proverbial leaf. If you remembered, I had a great fall and broke my arm. And I too personally saw how my actions regrettably implicated my parents and my friends - who had to take time off to visit and care for me. For my broken arm, although I regret worrying my parents, I do not regret breaking it - in fact it was after that incident where my views about them changed.


Funny thing is, whilst watching it, I had this compulsion to go back to the Army. Sounds ludicrous right? I realised I really loved my position. I loved teaching the recruits, and having this responsibility to train them. To watch recruits being able to complete physical and mental challenges, and challenging them as well is a task quite gratifying. I am really thankful for the opportunity to be in Tekong. I might sound like some propaganda machine spewing out good words for the Army, or be seen as the naive soldier brainwashed by the Army, but it was honestly a good time there. Of course it is better being the civilian as I have other goals to accomplish, but that being said, my time as a sergeant training recruits was rewarding and enriching. I miss those times. (This could link to another topic: am I a sucker for a leadership position? Am I more of a leader or a teacher? More concisely, do I prefer and more capable to be a leader or a teacher?)

Overall, the show was good money well spent. It is comical, yet sends a very good lesson. I am sure many of us would immediately see the protagonist as "immature" and "childish" - but that is sadly, a stereotypical image of guys before entering NS. Haha, maybe I was like that too? I am not too sure. I think I was unlike him - that protagonist is just too pathetic XD But such views cannot be said from the first person view, it has to be from a third-person perspective.

Oh and there will be a part two. Totally cannot wait to see the storyline being played out. :D