| Army Daze | |
| Director: | Ong Keng Sen |
| Screenplay: | Michael Chiang |
| Starring: | Edward Yong Ching Tah Sheikh Haikel Kevin Mark Verghese Adrian Lim Meng Kiat Ahamed Azad |
| Distributor: | Cathay Asia Films |
| Runtime: | 84 minutes |
| Country: | Singapore |
| Language: | English, Malay, Hokkien and Mandarin |
| Budget: | S$700,000 |
| Gross: | S$1,600,000 |
Army Daze is a 1996 Singaporean comedy film based on the 1987 theatre play of the same name by Singaporean writer Michael Chiang. Distributed by Cathay Asia Films and directed by Ong Keng Sen, the film portrays a group of 18-year-old Singaporeans from different classes and cultural backgrounds as they perform their National Service and their experience within the Singapore Armed Forces. The movie is spoken in Singlish, Standard English, Malay, Hokkien and Mandarin.
The tagline of the movie, From Real Blur (Singlish reference to a mental state of confusion) to Real Men.
The film follows the journey of five men from different backgrounds as they enlist in their National Service: Malcolm, a nerdy and sheltered individual; Johari, a laid-back hipster Malay man; Krishna, a heroic and loving Indian lover; Ah Beng, a delinquent with a gangster-like demeanor; and Kenny, an effeminate boy interested in women's lifestyle. The story unfolds through Malcolm's perspective as he narrates his experiences in the army.
The men are assigned to Hotel Company Platoon 4, where they meet various other recruits. Before enlisting, Malcolm interacts with a shady character named Mr. X, who sells him a guidebook on playing truant in the army. Krishna has a heartfelt conversation with his girlfriend, Lathi, before reporting to duty. At the camp, they bid farewell to their loved ones and share their thoughts on the current state of affairs.
They are introduced to their tough drill instructor, Corporal Ong, who leads them to get their mandatory haircuts. The men introduce themselves to each other, with Malcolm feeling out of place among the group. The training begins with physical exercises and an obstacle course, where the five men comically struggle and fail. Their attempts at learning camouflage also end in failure, frustrating CPL Ong.
The recruits are allowed visits from their families, and Krishna reunites dramatically with Lathi. Ah Beng's sister, Ah Huay, makes an extravagant appearance, and Malcolm's mother expresses her disapproval of the army training. Johari feels neglected by his parents' absence, while Kenny dismisses his parents' absence as a holiday. The five men gather for a photo with Ah Huay as the photographer.
During combat training, they meet their tough instructor, Sergeant Wendy Chung, who unknowingly captures Ah Beng's heart. The platoon goes on a field camp, where Kenny and Malcolm try to make their campsite more comfortable but end up being punished with guard duty by Sergeant Monteiro. Krishna also joins them after trying to feign an excuse for absence using Malcolm's guidebook.
While on duty, Krishna faints after a scuffle with a python, and Malcolm finds him. Second Lieutenant Collin Heng decides to visit Krishna's family with CPL Ong and Malcolm. Lathi is comforted by 2LT Heng, and Malcolm notices a connection between them.
After Krishna is discharged, he returns to an empty bunk, only to find out that the platoon has been given time off for outstanding performance. The four surprise Krishna, but tension arises when Kenny accuses Malcolm of witnessing Lathi flirting with 2LT Heng. Malcolm denies the claim, leading to an argument. Johari and Malcolm try to pacify Kenny, and Ah Beng advises Krishna against breaking up with Lathi.
Krishna and Lathi reconcile over a phone call, while Malcolm learns to stand up to his overprotective mother. The five men bond as their military training comes to an end, expressing their desired vocations. The training concludes with a successful route march.
Upon graduating, the families of the five men come to pick them up, and they share their experiences and camaraderie, feeling like brothers. SGT Wendy Chung introduces Deanna Yusoff, whom Johari is a big fan of. They take a final picture together.
In the end, Malcolm signs on with the army and becomes a Captain while pursuing his nerdy hobbies. Krishna becomes a lawyer and starts a family with Lathi, who becomes famous. Johari joins the media industry and fulfills his dream of working with Deanna. Kenny enters boutique sales and aspires to become a dance choreographer, while Ah Beng becomes a cellphone manager and strikes the lottery, buying a diamond ring for SGT Wendy Chung.
| Army Daze (Play) | |
| Characters: | Malcolm Png Kenny Pereira Teo Ah Beng Johari Salleh |
| Setting: | National Service in Singapore |
With a budget of S$700,000, Army Daze was one of the most profitable Singaporean films during that time, earning about S$1,600,000 at the local box office. The film's digital remaster received a limited re-release in March 2013.[1]
A 15th anniversary edition DVD of the film was released in August 2011.