Xiaohai bu ben

More than a month ago, my eyes got all puffy again and I blamed Jack Neo for it. If a law was ever passed against making women cry using movies, he would be in death row by now.

Of course, as you can gather from my reaction, I am actually starting to love Neo (just don't remind me about his Liang Po Po slapstick). After watching Homerun, here was another Neo flick that had my tears streaming down my face uncontrollably - I Not Stupid (I.N.S.). Clever devil. Even his title screams with comic irony.

Compared to the first film aforementioned, I.N.S. is another Singaporean political and, more specifically, social satire. The treatment, however, is more direct though not literal. Without ever having to guess, one would not need to read any background on Singapore to realize that the film is satirical.

The whole movie is full of similes and metaphors - mostly directly injected in dialogue - that pertain to the country's government and its people. For around two hours, we are given a peek, a good peek, at one of Asia's well-known nations. At the same time, neighboring countries may recognize a thing or two about Singapore that resemble(s) a thing or two about themselves.

Strictly speaking, the story is about and narrated by Terry (Huang Po-Ju), a little rich boy who could be so obedient to an annoying fault. Actually, the story revolves not only around Terry, but also around poor toughie Boon Hock (Joshua Ang) and misunderstood artist Kok Pin (Shawn Lee). Well, around them and their parents, to be more exact. The adults have their own sub-plots that cannot be simply ignored. Each of the boys belong to section EM3 where all the kids perceived as lazy, troublesome and dumb always end up and are considered hopeless future adults. The parents, on the other hand, basically play the part of society and government. Special focus is on Singaporean education, both in school and in society.

As a satire, I found I.N.S. simple, direct, and effective in communicating the message. As a non-Singaporean, I cannot, in all honesty agree with all of Neo's opinions. I cannot, simply because I have never been to Singapore, personally talked to anyone who has, discussed the country with online buddies, nor met a Singaporean in the flesh. But as far as freedom of speech is concerned, through the use of a powerful medium, I say, yes, Neo conveyed his message very well. In fact, right at the start, he made it clear through the narration.

However, it wasn't the "underlying" content that got to me. It was Kok Pin and his mother that made me cry. I was doing fine until Kok Pin got up the building and...I should have known it would be about family again or I would have bought some tissue! As for funny moments, even if it was supposed to be comedy, there wasn't a lot to laugh at, literally or not. At least I didn't find much of the story funny. Sorry.

I.N.S. is a brave, intelligent film done in-your-face. It was created not to confuse but rather inform the audience and perhaps, serve as a wake-up call. It is not a stab (in fact, there is an "appreciative" comment near the end regarding "mothers") but rather, just a prick to remind the government to do what is proper and right when it comes to educating its people. No need to beat around the bush. After all, we not stupid.

Therefore, I highly recommend this movie. Not as powerful as I found Homerun, but still a very commendable piece. I can't wait to see another one of Jack's Neo-isms. This guy is not to be missed. After all, he most definitely not stupid! *May 15, 2005*

This is a well made film for the Singaporeans to have a laugh at themselves and at their government. Do not be fooled at the title " I NOT Stupid" , which suggests a B-grade show, this is actually a satire with multi layered meanings inside.

It does not take much to figure out that the character of the rich and autocratic mother who meddles in her children's affairs too much, is a persona representation of the government. And her 2 kids, Selena and Terry, are the citizens who react differently under such an autocratic rule.

But it is indeed a surprise that this movie passes the strict censorship board. But maybe, the government by allowing this film to pass, is showing that the political situation has changed, for the better maybe.

If any foreigner wants to have a deeper understanding of the social situation of Singapore society, this movie is a great place to start.

OK, I admit that the reason why I'm watching this - it's homework for the upcoming sequel which I intend to watch when it's released in the local theaters. Therefore I needed to be acquainted with the source material other than bits and pieces from the extended television serial.

Jack Neo has made movies which have been box-office successes locally, grossing millions, starting with the very popular, but very raw, Money No Enough. It captured the attention and appealed to the heart-landers, who gave him a resounding vote of confidence at the box office. Following that are many social dramadies like That One No Enough, Liang Po Po, and the likes.

But perhaps none struck the chord so closely, as that jab at the typical Singaporean kiasu-parents, school administrators who are fearful of their rankings, the much criticized EM1-2-3 streaming in primary schools, and the introduction of perceived foreign talent on our shores.

And that's what I Not Stupid is about, and more. Compared to his previous movies, I Not Stupid has matured in refining its story telling techniques, having social issues subtly weaved into its dialog, and giving the audience the ability to draw chuckles out of caricatures of the government in its characters (Selena Tan as the big-momma, dressed in all white, all the time, anyone?) The casting also took some major changes, without having J-Team members as lead characters here. The 3 child leads did quite OK, given that they have veterans actors as their parents helped a lot too.

The plot did seem to wear on as it seemed to drag to make it 2 hours, which contributed to quite a bit of plot holes. Also, some subplots seemed unnecessary too, or if retained in the film, wasn't succinct to the point, like the kidnapping subplot.

However, if you've been following Jack Neo's movies, then it is marked improvement. The jokes are less slapstick, though it was kinda strange to have characters telling jokes, and everyone around laughing. Not that it was bad, just quite unnaturally acted.

So am I ready for I Not Stupid Too? Frankly, yes. Though the trailer did not reveal too much except for the public caning scene, I'm silently geared up for more social issues being taken to the stand, and awaiting to see how Jack Neo spins them together for another ride.

Special Edition Code 3 DVD contains 2 music videos from the movie, song lyrics, packaged into a pictorial book containing the synopsis and cast and crew interviews and biographies.

Well I have to say that it was very true to life, things like that happen all the time in Singapore (so I really don't know why some people in Singapore call it "creative" since it was lifted straight from life). This movie was set in a primary school, I'm not sure which. I graduated from primary school 3 years ago, but being in a class with some EM3 students, I have to admit that life for an EM3 student was just seriously bad, when you have the misfortune of meeting people who judge you by your results. Even though I was never in EM3, I could still feel for the kids portrayed in the movie because I've seen it before in life, and some of the pressure was also felt by students in the EM2 stream as well (though not as much), which I was in.

Reviewer's background: a nearly 40 mum of 2 girls (8 and 3) from Hong Kong.

At first, I wasn't keen to watch, because this was touted as a kid flick in Hong Kong, and also "must be seen by all parents with their children" -- to me, this sounded hard-sell.

My elder daughter had earlier watched it (English version), and hadn't commented on it, so this added to my speculation that it must be boring.

I was recently recommended to watch it by an un-married female ex-classmate, which was surprising, considering she doesn't have kids of her own.

Her reason -- if you have Singaporean colleagues, please watch it, it's funny.

So I finally watched it (Mandarin version) on video -- and yes, it's well worth a watch.

Here's why -

1. for parents (especially Asians) -- tune in to the hardship of trying to get your kids excel academically (after I watched this, I stopped forcing my elder to get 100% in Chinese dictation ... only asked her to do her best, and enjoy what she's learning ...)

2. for people with Singaporean friends, colleagues, relatives -- you'd understand how / why / what Singies act the way dey do, and why dey dalk like dat ...

3. for people who are wondering / interested to know how Singapore is governed -- an eye-opener that this movie was censored by the local, since it had so many obvious jabs at the government!

4. for Singaporeans -- enjoy your home-grown movie, a well documented dramatic piece

5. for movie-goers -- the kids CAN act! Better than the majors on Potter movie, especially Shawn Lee, he really acts hurt when whipped by his mum

Since I was watching a video version, I was able to pause (and have to pause) many times during the show to attend to kids, so didn't find the themes choppy, tho there are some gaps and the cohesion could be better improved. Maybe Neo was trying to cram as much information in the film, so many parts might had been edited out.

I give this a 6.5 out of 10. (My 10's are for pieces like LOTR, 6th sense...)