Starring: Xiang Yun, Selena Tan, Jack Neo
Director: Jack Neo
Category: I
Chinese-language cinema is not noted for its political satire, nor is Singapore a place that comes readily to mind as a nation that encourages such a subversive brand of humour. Thus, it comes as a pleasant surprise to discover I Not Stupid (in Putonghua and 'Singlish' with English and Chinese subtitles) is not 'just' a children's film but also a sly send-up of Singaporean society.
Director-writer Jack Neo, a popular Singaporean comedian and television personality, has taken a simple tale of three junior-high-school classmates and used it as a droll vehicle to poke gentle fun at everything from the nation's educational system to its paternalistic government.
The three boys represent different social strata of Singapore, from wealthy to middle class to poor. They are members of EM3, the school class for those deemed academically hopeless. Two of the three lads are actually quite bright, but in an unconventional way that is anathema to teachers and parents determined to stifle independent and creative spirits.