Who would have thought that the best film this week would be a modest-budgeted Singapore film about ah bengs and ah lians (street kids) in the 1990s, directed by an unknown director?
Well, Boi Kwong is his name and The Days is his film. Beautifully shot and lovingly crafted, The Days tells Boi's semi-autobiographical story of two brothers (Justin Chan and Ivan Lim) who turn against each other when one turns good, while the other turns bad. They fall for two attractive sisters (played by real-life sisters Adele Wong and Adora Wong) who become pivotal in their moral struggles.
Boosted by superb motion graphics and animation by another unknown Josef Lee, The Days is the latest Singapore film to celebrate ah beng culture after Kelvin Tong's Eating Air and Royston Tan's 15. But compared to the other two films, The Days feels more authentic. Most of the actors fit their roles almost to the T as if they didn't have to act at all. And the words they speak frequently ring true.
This film is bound to be a hit among those who grew up in the era. But even if you missed that era by a decade or two, we suggest you go see it. We guarantee you'll be pleasantly surprised and impressed by the level of skill displayed in the film.