6 Greatest Singaporean Movies Ever Made To Add To Your Watchlist

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Singaporean movies may not yet be as widely recognized as Hollywood blockbusters or acclaimed international films. Even in Asia, they may not be as famous as Korean, Chinese, and Japanese movies. However, the city-state's film industry has produced some hidden gems that are definitely worth exploring. These films offer unique perspectives on life, culture, and society while showcasing talented local filmmakers and actors.

From thought-provoking dramas to heartwarming tales, here is a list of the best Singaporean movies ever made that you should add to your watchlist.

Directed by Tan Bee Thiam, this satirical comedy follows Ah Bee, played by Thomas Pang. He becomes a Happiness Agent at an experimental community project after losing his job on his 30th birthday. The film shows his interactions with unusual residents and staff as he works at this data-driven social club. The club uses artificial intelligence and big data to create the happiest neighborhood, but the film questions what true happiness really means.

Directed by K. Rajagopal, this intense drama stars Sivakumar Palakrishnan as Siva. He is an Indian-Singaporean man released from prison after serving time for contraband smuggling. His mother, played by Seema Biswas, cannot forgive him, so he searches for his missing ex-wife and daughter. Along the way, he befriends Chen Chen, a Chinese prostitute played by Huang Lu. He eventually discovers a shocking truth about his family that forces him to face his guilt and seek forgiveness.

Anthony Chen directs this touching drama starring Yeo Yann Yann as Ling, a Mandarin language teacher. She struggles with infertility and a failing marriage while caring for her father-in-law who suffered a stroke. During Singapore's rainy season, she forms an unexpected bond with Wei Lun, played by Koh Jia Ler, one of her struggling students. The film shows their growing relationship as both characters find comfort and hope in each other during difficult times in their lives.

Anthony Chen's first feature film follows the Lim family during the 1997 Asian financial crisis. They hire Teresa, a Filipino maid played by Angeli Bayani, to care for their troubled son Jiale. The cast includes Yeo Yann Yann and Chen Tianwen as the stressed parents. The film shows the growing relationship between Teresa and young Jiale as they form a special bond. Meanwhile, the family's money problems get worse and their lives become more difficult due to economic pressures.

Directed by Boo Junfeng, this psychological drama stars Firdaus Rahman as Aiman, a young Malay correctional officer. He is recently transferred to Singapore's maximum security prison. There, he meets Rahim, played by Wan Hanafi Su, the prison's respected chief executioner. When Aiman is offered the position as Rahim's apprentice, he must face his own painful past and moral beliefs. He also learns about the difficulties of capital punishment and the emotional burden of taking human lives.

Yeo Siew Hua directs this mystery thriller starring Peter Yu as Detective Lok, a sleep-deprived police investigator. He searches for Wang, a missing Chinese construction worker played by Liu Xiaoyi. Set at Singapore's land reclamation sites, the film mixes reality and dreams as Lok investigates the disappearance. With cinematography by Hideho Urata, the film shows the harsh conditions faced by migrant workers. It also explores themes of loneliness and Singapore's hidden problems beneath its modern appearance.