We're all for supporting local, especially since it's almost National Day! From today, Netflix will be adding over 100 Singaporean films and series to its library. Made possible thanks to partnerships with local production houses like Clover Films, MM2 Entertainment, and national broadcaster Mediacorp, many award-winning releases and 90s favourites will be included and we've rounded up some of the best ones to watch!
Homerun
Written and directed by Singaporean filmmaker Jack Neo, Homerun is set in 1965 and revolves around a brother and sister who are faced with an obstacle when the younger sister's only pair of school shoes go missing. With their father in debt, the siblings try their best to find a solution that will not further trouble their family.
The inspiration behind Homerun was an Academy Award-nominated Iranian film, Children of Heaven. In fact, the same movie also inspired Jack Neo to touch on the problems that Singaporean youth experience in his 2002 film I Not Stupid, which has also been released on Netflix.
Ah Boys To Men II
Ah Boys to Men II is the sequel to its highly successful predecessor and it returns to put the spotlight on the lives of Singaporean boys serving the army. The sequel was a box office hit as it resonated well with Singaporeans and especially the local men who served the nation. The film also contains hilarious comedic scenes and the on-screen chemistry between the lead actors was also highly raved about. Not surprising why it's one of the top-grossing Singaporean films of all time!
Ilo Ilo
Ilo Ilo is local filmmaker Anthony Chen’s directorial debut and it's been a cult favourite amongst local film buffs. It follows a 12-year-old boy, his Filipino domestic helper, his estranged parents and their struggle through life amidst the 1997 Asian financial crisis. The movie won over critics from all over the world and even bagged several prestigious awards including the Caméra d'Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival and Best Original Screenplay at the 50th Golden Horse Awards.
Liang Po Po: The Movie
Starring comedian director Jack Neo who cross-dresses as the titular Liang Po Po, the film follows Liang Po Po's decision to leave the retirement home in search of a new life, with the belief that she can still contribute to society. Liang Po Po sets on a path where she soon realizes how her trusting and naïve nature can be used against her, as she's left alone and broke after getting robbed on her first day.
Broadening the film's appeal, well-known Hong Kong celebrities such as Eric Tsang and Sheren Tang, as well as Malaysian singer Ah Niu were also cast. Liang Po Po: The Movie will be available on Netflix on August 8.
Best of Phua Chu Kang Pte Ltd
What is there to say about PCK? His iconic yellow boots, curly hair and giant mole was such a big part of our TV culture. And who can forget his rival, Frankie Foo? And do you remember how the show took Singlish to greater heights? (Not without consequences, of course.) Even though the show was eventually pressured to use less Singlish, it still became one of Singapore’s most popular comedies. Arguably the best in Singapore, JB, and some say Batam.
I Not Stupid
This Singaporean classic revolves around the lives of three P6 pupils placed in EM3 stream, focusing on societal expectations that local kids in Singapore are expected to live up to, as well as the pressures they face at home and in school. Although it’s a comedy, the satirical criticism of the Singaporean education system and social attitudes in Singapore helped spark public discussions and parliamentary debates that led to reforms in our local education system.
Just Follow Law
After a freak accident, a technician swaps his soul with a senior executive. The latter soon realizes the dilemmas of working as a low ranking officer, while the other is torn in a management tussle. Both must now work together on the company’s biggest ever job fair with a meager budget. Directed by Jack Neo, Just Follow Law is a satirical look at the inflexibility of rules and regulations, and the rigid mindsets of civil servants who follow rules to a fault, charming and delighting audiences with its humorous and perceptive insights.
Best of The Noose
A satirical news show, The Noose has captured the hearts of many and achieved immense popularity. Each episode featured a cast made up of homegrown actors such as Michelle Chong, Chua En Lai, Alaric Tay, Suhaimi Yusof and Gurmit Singh, and it highlights actual newsworthy incidents with a humorous spin. The actors did such a good job bringing their characters to life that those familiar with the show will remember fictional names such as Lulu, Leticia Bongnino, Barbarella, Jojo Joget, Pornsak Sukhumvit and more!