Apprentice

Apprentice, a 2016 film directed by acclaimed Singaporean filmmaker Boo Junfeng, skillfully navigates the often overlooked territory of capital punishment with emphatic drama and psychological gravity. Starring Firdaus Rahman, Wan Hanafi Su and Mastura Ahmad in prominent roles, this movie does a profound exploration of morality, responsibility and rebuttals against the backdrop of the death penalty.

The backbone of the narrative is shaped through the life journey of the protagonist Aiman, played with poise and a deep understanding by Firdaus Rahman. Aiman’s past is marked by a tragedy that stains his soul – his father's execution. Consequently, the entire ethos of Aiman's character is defined by the juxtaposition of the troubling memory of his father's execution and his present as an executioner's apprentice.

Aiman is an earnest small-time correctional officer in a maximum-security prison and his daily mundane involves ensuring inmates' discipline and order. His life is shattered out of its monotonous shell when he crosses paths with Rahim, an esteemed veteran executioner portrayed by Wan Hanafi Su. There is an eerie calm and composed demeanor in Rahim's character, embodying a stark contrast to Aiman's internal upheavals. Rahim, a man close to retirement, has been responsible for carrying out state-sanctioned executions in prison and his saga in this merciless vocation leads him to be perceived as a mentor by Aiman.

Rahim identifies a potential successor in Aiman and takes him under his wings, forming a complicated, riveting narrative filled with pathos, and an extraordinary amount of suspense. However, as Aiman grows more involved in Rahim’s life, his own past intermingling with the lives of those on death row becomes disturbingly palpable.

The film also highlights the character of Suhaila, played by Mastura Ahmad, who is Aiman’s sister. The strained relationship between the siblings exacerbates as Aiman delves deeper into his role as Rahim’s apprentice. Suhaila provides an added dimension to the film, underscoring a deep animosity and prolonged tension rooted in profound familial concern.

Director Boo Junfeng tactfully humanizes his characters and subtly peels off the peripherals of the prison system, focusing on the individuals involved, rather than the system as an entity. He does not attempt to enforce moral judgments but rather presents a compelling window to the controversial, emotionally potent issue of capital punishment. Junfeng's unconventional approach towards a pained social issue prods the audience to question the moral implications associated with the characters and their actions.

The cinematic aesthetics of the film is undeniably noteworthy. The gloomy interiors of the prison, contrasting with the expansive outside world, the intricate details of the prison protocols, and the execution chamber are impressively depicted. Furthermore, the use of distinctly muted color tones underscores the harsh realities of death penalty, further emphasizing the dreary tones of capital punishment.

Metaphorically titled Apprentice, the film canvasses more than a mere apprenticeship in a profession; it delves into an apprenticeship of life, unearthing past demons and established societal norms. A captivating juxtaposition of morality and retribution, parentage and guilt, desire and duty, the film unfolds a plethora of intricate emotions embedded within the rigidity of the prison system.

Having premiered at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, Apprentice is a thought-provoking film that nudges the audience's consciousness about ethical ambiguity surrounding capital punishment. The dynamic performance by the well-chosen cast, especially the poignant portrayal by Firdaus Rahman and Wan Hanafi Su, is gripping and goes a long way in realizing the film’s intent.

In conclusion, Apprentice is an exceptional film that broaches the controversial topic of capital punishment with surprising depth and perspective, taking viewers on a profound journey of moral confrontation and redemption. An unforgettable film that is deeply affective, it casts fresh insights into deep-seated societal issues and the importance of human decision making in the most strenuous circumstances. It is a film that will resonate and leave a lasting impact on its viewers long after the end credits roll.