The Singapore film Apprentice has been passed uncut and given an M18 classification by the Media Development Authority (MDA).

This has come as a surprise to many in the film community, who expected that the drama about a young prison officer taken into the confidence of an executioner would get a milder PG13 or NC16 classification.

An M18 rating means that only those aged 18 or older can view the film, thus reducing the size of its audience.

On the MDA’s Films Classification Database website, the film is described as having “detailed depictions and descriptions of the execution process”.

Films with depictions of the death penalty have been awarded a range of ratings in Singapore.

The biopic Dead Man Walking (1995), for example, has a PG rating.

The home video version of The Green Mile (1999) is rated M18, but the version released in cinemas at the time had a PG rating because it had been edited to fit PG requirements.

Apprentice, directed and written by Boo Junfeng, was honoured at this year’s Cannes International Film Festival by being selected for the Un Certain Regard section.

In response to The Straits Times queries about Apprentice’s rating, an MDA spokesman said: “Apprentice was rated M18 as it contains mature content including detailed descriptions of the execution process, as well as depiction of an execution.

This is reflected in the consumer advice so that the public can make a more informed decision.”

The film has been made with help from the MDA in the form of a production assistance grant, a development assistance grant (for script development) and a Film Mentorship Initiative, which helps pay for costs related to going overseas for training.

The story is told from the viewpoint of a young prison officer Aiman (Singapore actor Fir Rahman), who becomes friends with an older officer Rahman (Malaysian veteran Wan Hanafi Su). He turns out to be the prison’s hangman.

Aiman is drawn into a conflict that pits family loyalties against growing affection for his new friend.

Boo, 32, who is in Sydney this week for the Sydney Film Festival’s screening of his work, sent a response by e-mail.

“I was hoping Apprentice would get at most PG13 in Singapore, considering it’s rated PG for its release in France. I believe MDA gave it a lot of consideration and M18 was the best it could offer.”

The producers told The Straits Times they do not plan to appeal the rating as they want to release the film without further delay.

Ms Tan Fong Cheng, one of the film’s producers, says she is “puzzled” by the M18 rating.

“Nevertheless, we respect the MDA’s decision, but hope audiences will decide for themselves if the film warrants the rating.”

Apprentice will be in cinemas from June 30.

johnlui@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on June 17, 2016.
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Actor Andie Chen, 31, had the best birthday present when his wife Kate Pang, 30, gave birth to their second child, Avery, yesterday morning.

The Taiwan-born actress had started bleeding the night before while she was in the shower.

“There was a lot of blood so I was quite scared,” Chen told The New Paper over the phone yesterday.

The couple rushed to the hospital and were informed by their doctor that Pang’s water bag needed to be burst and for labour to be naturally induced for the bleeding to stop.

Kate Pang and Andie Chen welcome baby girl Avery

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Youtube, Sina Weibo, Instagram

After about four hours of labour, Pang had Avery through natural birth.

Chen described the delivery as relatively smooth.

The baby is 52cm long and weighs 3.65kg.

As Pang had a miscarriage in April last year, Chen was anxious throughout her pregnancy.

“I feel really lucky,” he said.

“For this whole (pregnancy), I was worried about the baby and mother’s health because I knew it couldn’t be taken for granted.

“When Avery came out, I kept asking if she was okay, if everything was intact.”

The couple, who have a two-year-old son, had expected the delivery as Pang started having contractions after a routine visit to the doctor on Monday morning.

The contractions stopped that afternoon, but the doctor said Pang could go into labour at any time.

“We were not too nervous, (but) we were on high alert,” said Chen, adding that they had packed and were ready to go to the hospital.

He said Pang was weak and giddy, but was resting and recovering well.

Andie Chen and Kate Pang welcome their first child

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, , Andie Chen, Lianhe Zaobao

The hospital staff gave Chen a chocolate cake and presented Avery with a red velvet cupcake at lunchtime.

Chen said: “I’ve never been big on birthday celebrations. But now, it will (be) something special.”

debwee@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on June 17, 2016.
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