User Reviews

OK, I admit that the reason why I'm watching this - it's homework for the upcoming sequel which I intend to watch when it's released in the local theaters. Therefore I needed to be acquainted with the source material other than bits and pieces from the extended television serial.

Jack Neo has made movies which have been box-office successes locally, grossing millions, starting with the very popular, but very raw, Money No Enough. It captured the attention and appealed to the heart-landers, who gave him a resounding vote of confidence at the box office. Following that are many social dramadies like That One No Enough, Liang Po Po, and the likes.

But perhaps none struck the chord so closely, as that jab at the typical Singaporean kiasu-parents, school administrators who are fearful of their rankings, the much criticized EM1-2-3 streaming in primary schools, and the introduction of perceived foreign talent on our shores.

And that's what I Not Stupid is about, and more. Compared to his previous movies, I Not Stupid has matured in refining its story telling techniques, having social issues subtly weaved into its dialog, and giving the audience the ability to draw chuckles out of caricatures of the government in its characters (Selena Tan as the big-momma, dressed in all white, all the time, anyone?) The casting also took some major changes, without having J-Team members as lead characters here. The 3 child leads did quite OK, given that they have veterans actors as their parents helped a lot too.

The plot did seem to wear on as it seemed to drag to make it 2 hours, which contributed to quite a bit of plot holes. Also, some subplots seemed unnecessary too, or if retained in the film, wasn't succinct to the point, like the kidnapping subplot.

However, if you've been following Jack Neo's movies, then it is marked improvement. The jokes are less slapstick, though it was kinda strange to have characters telling jokes, and everyone around laughing. Not that it was bad, just quite unnaturally acted.

So am I ready for I Not Stupid Too? Frankly, yes. Though the trailer did not reveal too much except for the public caning scene, I'm silently geared up for more social issues being taken to the stand, and awaiting to see how Jack Neo spins them together for another ride.

Special Edition Code 3 DVD contains 2 music videos from the movie, song lyrics, packaged into a pictorial book containing the synopsis and cast and crew interviews and biographies.

This is a well made film for the Singaporeans to have a laugh at themselves and at their government. Do not be fooled at the title " I NOT Stupid" , which suggests a B-grade show, this is actually a satire with multi layered meanings inside.

It does not take much to figure out that the character of the rich and autocratic mother who meddles in her children's affairs too much, is a persona representation of the government. And her 2 kids, Selena and Terry, are the citizens who react differently under such an autocratic rule.

But it is indeed a surprise that this movie passes the strict censorship board. But maybe, the government by allowing this film to pass, is showing that the political situation has changed, for the better maybe.

If any foreigner wants to have a deeper understanding of the social situation of Singapore society, this movie is a great place to start.

Being born and bred in Singapore for my entire life, I understand how the main leads in the movie faced because I was once part of the system years ago. I was once in the EM2 stream myself but yet, I so know how it feels.

Imagine facing the prejudice you will get when you are in EM3 here. Although the government had already kind of modified the primary school streaming system here, this movie will always remind us of despite how much many in the world who admire our education system and how we are always among the top for international mathematics and science competitions, there are always things which the students who were once part of the primary school streaming system will not forget.

But, coming back to the movie. Director Jack Neo had certainly strike a chord with the local audiences with this movie. I remembered back then when I first watched the movie when it was released here, it was one of those movies I know I can fully understand at once what it is talking about. The humour, the parodies...all of it really capture the essence of the movie.

When it was being made into a TV drama version, more things were explored. Definitely the one movie that will make the outside world understand about the humanity side of Singapore's education scene more or less.

I was skeptical about this film at first. Singapore is not a country known for their films! After so many positive reviews, and the fact that my family members liked the film a lot, I decided to watch it.

The film really blew me away. It was really that good! It explored so many issues within the short amount of time. And it explored these issues in a direct, in your face manner. The pressure on each person on different roles in the society, the tension between people, living up to unreasonable expectations, and even topics like politics, love and societal problems are touched upon. This is not just a film, but a documentary of the life of common people in Singapore. I can only recommend it!

Reviewer's background: a nearly 40 mum of 2 girls (8 and 3) from Hong Kong.

At first, I wasn't keen to watch, because this was touted as a kid flick in Hong Kong, and also "must be seen by all parents with their children" -- to me, this sounded hard-sell.

My elder daughter had earlier watched it (English version), and hadn't commented on it, so this added to my speculation that it must be boring.

I was recently recommended to watch it by an un-married female ex-classmate, which was surprising, considering she doesn't have kids of her own.

Her reason -- if you have Singaporean colleagues, please watch it, it's funny.

So I finally watched it (Mandarin version) on video -- and yes, it's well worth a watch.

Here's why -

1. for parents (especially Asians) -- tune in to the hardship of trying to get your kids excel academically (after I watched this, I stopped forcing my elder to get 100% in Chinese dictation ... only asked her to do her best, and enjoy what she's learning ...)

2. for people with Singaporean friends, colleagues, relatives -- you'd understand how / why / what Singies act the way dey do, and why dey dalk like dat ...

3. for people who are wondering / interested to know how Singapore is governed -- an eye-opener that this movie was censored by the local, since it had so many obvious jabs at the government!

4. for Singaporeans -- enjoy your home-grown movie, a well documented dramatic piece

5. for movie-goers -- the kids CAN act! Better than the majors on Potter movie, especially Shawn Lee, he really acts hurt when whipped by his mum

Since I was watching a video version, I was able to pause (and have to pause) many times during the show to attend to kids, so didn't find the themes choppy, tho there are some gaps and the cohesion could be better improved. Maybe Neo was trying to cram as much information in the film, so many parts might had been edited out.

I give this a 6.5 out of 10. (My 10's are for pieces like LOTR, 6th sense...)

I urge all parents to watch this with their children and/or teenagers if possible. This movie is based in Singapore and is mostly targeted against the Singaporean society and government (no chewing gum, etc.), but the struggle between parents and youngsters are universal -- "I'm doing this for your own good", "Why do adults always say I'm wrong?". The defects of an education system that stresses on English and Mathematics are common to most Asian countries as well. Watch it -- and you will certainly find something sweet or bitter you've been through. The message is brought out in a much better way than the government promotions to "lend your child an ear".

No doubt, Jack Neo has created a great impact in Singapore and Asia with his second directorial outing in "I Not Stupid", considering its record-breaking box-office success in Singapore and Hong Kong, even the Singapore prime minister mentioned his success during the National Day Rally. However, is the film really as good as it has been deemed to be? I really beg to differ.

First of all, I have to admit that Neo is a wonderful comedian on TV and has brought a lot of laughter to millions of television screens in Singapore over the years. His long-lasting variety show "Comedy Night" has him entertaining our Monday nights for over ten years. However, TV and film are two entirely different matters. Looking at the way Neo handled his script for his three movies "Money No Enough" (which he did not direct), "That One No Enough" and "I Not Stupid", it is evident that Neo is too used to writing skits on TV. Normally, a skit would last for 10-15 minutes and will be held together by several jokes on a certain issue. But if you put the same formula on film, it will appear nothing but weird. Watching Neo's films is like watching a film that is not really a film, but rather a 2 hour presentation made up of several 15-minute skits.

That is the main problem with "I Not Stupid" (and all the other Neo films). Throughout the whole film audiences are trying so hard to find linkage after every 15 minutes that the film loses its focus. One moment the film seems to focus on the problems EM3 students face in school, another moment it seems to focus on the misconceptions people have on foreign talents, and the next moment, out of the blue, Kok Bin's mother has leukemnia. So what exactly is Neo trying to focus on? He has too many points, too many sub-plots, but he failed to explore deep enough to each of the issues.

Secondly, the definition of a film is to tell a story, or to convey a message through visuals. Yet, Neo's excessive usage of monologues totally loses the point of making a film. A lot of the messages could have been better conveyed without the monologues. For example, when Liu Qian Yi's character first appeared on screen, Terry's monologue went "This is my father, he is actually a very nice person, just that he speaks very loudly" and when Jack Neo's character appeared, Terry's monologue when again "This is Kok Bin's father...". Are all these necessary? From the scene where Liu Qian Yi scolds Jack Neo for snatching his parking lot, I'm sure all audiences will be able to tell that Terry's father "speaks very loudly". I'm sure audiences won't have any difficulty figuring out who is who's father either.

Other monologues also spoil a lot of fun. The film could have had more depth if certain things are not being made too obvious. For example, Terry's mother is being portrayed as the government as she likes to have a say in everything her children does. She is even dressed in white all the time (just like our People's Action Party members). On the other hand, Terry's sister is being portrayed as the opposition party, being rebellious and wants a say of her own life. This, is upmost interesting and i salute Neo for coming up with this brilliant comparison. However, Terry's monologue, again, spoils everything. When his mother first appeared in the film he went "The woman in white is my mother......", "...likes to have a say in everything...", "...but she really cares for us...." and finally "she is just like the government". And when his sister appears, his monologue went "This is my sister....", "...she is getting rebellious...", "...likes to oppose to what Mum says, no matter she is right or wrong..." and "....she is just like the opposition party".

Talk about being subtile. We can tell his mother is wearing white. We can tell she wants a say in everything form the way she behaves in the film. We can tell she is being portrayed as the government, even without the monologue. The same goes for the sister. In fact, if audiences were not told, but shown all these points, the film would have been much more interesting. But Neo opted for the easy way out, which, obviously, is not the best way out.

Or maybe Neo felt that audiences are just too stupid to notice his point? Therefore he felt the need to explain everything to the slightest detail through the use of Terry's monologue.

If that is the case, then the only thing I have to say about this movie is "I Not Stupid".

Honestly, as a student in Malaysia, this movie is one of the best to come out in South-East Asia targeted for the family audience. As someone who's spent a good chunk of his life in Singapore, and subjected to similar pressures in Malaysian schools, I can greatly identify with much in the film. The shame of being considered "stupid" is one I know and understand, and yet there is also much to keep parents preoccupied with, especially those living on both sides of the Causeway, such as the idea of Caucasian superiority, the behaviour of the Singaporean government, etc.

It has been argued that much of Terry's narration is unnecessary, especially his explanation of the Mrs. Khoo - Singaporean government analogy. However, I think this is an artistic thing done to reflect Terry's simple-mindedness, as well as for the benefit of International audiences.

If you live in South-East Asia, give this movie a go. You most likely won't regret it.

10/10

It's been a while since I've seen the movie. Overall, I thought that it was better than most movies to have come out of Singapore. Though the idea it sports is not entirely new, the film managed to entertain audiences with its high-paced Singaporean humor. Character development was quite ok I guess as I felt for the boy at the end. The acting was typical of a Singaporean movie and unfortunately this failed to serve my taste. However, the movie did not put me to sleep and for that commendable achievement I have given it a rating of 6/10.

I watched this on a SQ plane from Singapore to Hong Kong. It delivered everything I was looking for - a touching comedy drama that is real and paced so well there's not one dull moment. It explores different areas of life which not only affects Singaporeans but also locals in Asia. Its a good depiction of a child's perspective and how they react when their parents scold, nag or beat them. I think the cast acted really well especially the 3 children the movie focuses on. I like the many practical issues the movie also brings up / the competition between locals and expatriates, the haves and the have not, how social issues can be misinterpreted or mishandled. There are many funny moments, many sad moving moments and I'm so glad the ending is good. Highly recommend to watch.

The life of a group of kids and their parents as they try to survive the rigors of school and child rearing.

Its a cute movie that doesn't completely translate to these western eyes. I don't understand the school system, though I do understand the conflicts between kids and parents as well the craziness of everyday life. Its an okay film thats a bit run of the mill (though considering that this is from the infant Singapore film industry-its a "local"- its understandable).

Is it worth seeing? If you run a cross it you might want to give it a shot, but odds are you won't remember it.

More than a month ago, my eyes got all puffy again and I blamed Jack Neo for it. If a law was ever passed against making women cry using movies, he would be in death row by now.

Of course, as you can gather from my reaction, I am actually starting to love Neo (just don't remind me about his Liang Po Po slapstick). After watching Homerun, here was another Neo flick that had my tears streaming down my face uncontrollably - I Not Stupid (I.N.S.). Clever devil. Even his title screams with comic irony.

Compared to the first film aforementioned, I.N.S. is another Singaporean political and, more specifically, social satire. The treatment, however, is more direct though not literal. Without ever having to guess, one would not need to read any background on Singapore to realize that the film is satirical.

The whole movie is full of similes and metaphors - mostly directly injected in dialogue - that pertain to the country's government and its people. For around two hours, we are given a peek, a good peek, at one of Asia's well-known nations. At the same time, neighboring countries may recognize a thing or two about Singapore that resemble(s) a thing or two about themselves.

Strictly speaking, the story is about and narrated by Terry (Huang Po-Ju), a little rich boy who could be so obedient to an annoying fault. Actually, the story revolves not only around Terry, but also around poor toughie Boon Hock (Joshua Ang) and misunderstood artist Kok Pin (Shawn Lee). Well, around them and their parents, to be more exact. The adults have their own sub-plots that cannot be simply ignored. Each of the boys belong to section EM3 where all the kids perceived as lazy, troublesome and dumb always end up and are considered hopeless future adults. The parents, on the other hand, basically play the part of society and government. Special focus is on Singaporean education, both in school and in society.

As a satire, I found I.N.S. simple, direct, and effective in communicating the message. As a non-Singaporean, I cannot, in all honesty agree with all of Neo's opinions. I cannot, simply because I have never been to Singapore, personally talked to anyone who has, discussed the country with online buddies, nor met a Singaporean in the flesh. But as far as freedom of speech is concerned, through the use of a powerful medium, I say, yes, Neo conveyed his message very well. In fact, right at the start, he made it clear through the narration.

However, it wasn't the "underlying" content that got to me. It was Kok Pin and his mother that made me cry. I was doing fine until Kok Pin got up the building and...I should have known it would be about family again or I would have bought some tissue! As for funny moments, even if it was supposed to be comedy, there wasn't a lot to laugh at, literally or not. At least I didn't find much of the story funny. Sorry.

I.N.S. is a brave, intelligent film done in-your-face. It was created not to confuse but rather inform the audience and perhaps, serve as a wake-up call. It is not a stab (in fact, there is an "appreciative" comment near the end regarding "mothers") but rather, just a prick to remind the government to do what is proper and right when it comes to educating its people. No need to beat around the bush. After all, we not stupid.

Therefore, I highly recommend this movie. Not as powerful as I found Homerun, but still a very commendable piece. I can't wait to see another one of Jack's Neo-isms. This guy is not to be missed. After all, he most definitely not stupid! *May 15, 2005*

Didnt manage to catch the movie on silver screen when it was shown in Singapore last year. After all the rave reviews this movies garnered, decided to buy the VCD (original, no less). And I was in for a big big surprise. Never had a local production affected me so much emotionally. I cried out loud, real loud. Partly due the fact that I'm studying for my CFA exam at that time and partly I felt so strongly with most of the messages Jack Neo tried to send with this production.

Life in Singapore can get too boring at times as everything seems to be pre-planned for you. I was at a cross-road when I was watching this. I started to re-examine myself, to introspect and to understand myself and realise that what I was doing does not make sense at all. My life is still as empty as ever.

I started to explore all my available options and finally manage to take great steps to break the traditional Singapore cycle, traditional Singapore way of life. I must say that I'm a happier man now.

To all the other Singaporeans out there. Singaporean way of life belongs to the conventional, conservative, middle-income, family-oriented group of people. If you do not belong, it's time to garner your courage to be different, to step out and explore the world. You will be rewarded handsomely.

I watched this movie in 2002, which was like, four years ago now...and I actually watched it during school time. My Society and Environment teacher probably thought it was educational and she put it on for us to watch, and, being eleven at the time, I just thought it was really funny. It didn't really touch me, because I didn't understand the issues. I went crazy about it and I must have watched it ten times, but now that I watch it again, it seems to me there's a deeper meaning in the film, Ritz something cool and it's one of the films that really got my attention. I know that Singapore's system is quite a bit like Malaysia, except we're a teeny bit more laid-back. I couldn't quite identify with the characters, since I've been educated in an international school my whole life, but the thing about it was the acting. You have this chubby guy who messes everything up and you sometimes feel like you want to shake him, but other times you just feel so sad that he has such misguided parents. And then there's Kok Pin...he's just really depressing. I mean...wow, he's got such puppy-dog eyes and he's so sweet and nice...I kind of find it hard to believe that there's a kid who acts like Kok Pin does. The characters...the boys...they're all pretty young, but the thing about is them is that they're all so GOOD. Maybe that was unnecessary, but it's a bit freaky because I'm pretty sure there aren't any kids that age who are always doing the right thing. So, when I watched it, it was for the funny parts at the beginning, and I loved the soundtrack! :P I like the song!!! That was one of the things that reached out to me because all the lyrics really spoke out how students felt, and sometimes how I felt. It was cool. And I also loved the way they talk, because I'm used to seeing Hollywood and Hong Kong films, and the familiarity of the dialogue is just...nice. Comfy. It's so much like real life, it's like seeing the lives of someone you could've been, or realising how things are for so many students in Singapore and Malaysia. It's a movie that's great for kids and adults, and everyone will find something that they can relate to, that will make them think. Bottom line, this is my favourite movie so far and it's nice to see a teen/child flick that's not filled with angst and uncertainty and boy-girl relationships.

As another commented, "I Not Stupid" does have a TV movie oeuvre. It has slapsticky humor and comedy skit acting. But to this American, it gave me some insight into the psyche of the mind of the Singaporean, at least the ethnic Chinese.

Overall it is a funny movie. The best moment was the ad for the Chinese BBQ pork. Laugh out loud hilarious!

Kok Pin, Boon Hock and Terry are classmates in EM3. In Singapore, that means that at the age of 12, the government has decided that they are not as academically inclined as their peers who have been placed in an "express" or "normal" stream. Kok Pin is creative and a born artist but his parents would rather he focus on his Maths and Sciences. Boon Hock comes from a poor family and needs to balance school work and helping out at the hawker stall. Terry, a spoilt brat is just too lazy a student, but nevertheless, kind at heart. Much misunderstanding occurs amongst the friends because Terry has been brought up to mind his own business and not to stand up for his friends. But when Terry, despite his fear of pain, offers to donate his bone marrow to save Kok Pin's mother at a crucial moment, the boys realise their true friendship.

While the three children suffer from the pressure of school, their parents have another set of problem... ...

This movie pokes fun at the Singapore government in subtle manners. However, the satirical moments are clear to the Singaporean audience who are in the situation themselves. Terry's mother is a female aristocrat in her family, taking care of each and every aspect of the family. This almost stifling style of handling her children results in a rebellious Selena (her daugther) and a timid and obedient Terry. This is obviously an analogy to the situation in Singapore. It is amazing how this movie passed the board of censors in S'pore and retained the film in its original form. This movie is indeed one of the best local films to have emerged recently.

In many instances, this film laughed at how typical Singaporeans behave and view things, eliciting much laughter from the audience. BUT this movie is not just pure entertainment and comedy.Look deeper and you'll realise many things. A deep penetration into the lives of Singaporeans, urging all to rethink their lives.

Jack Neo's really done it this time! And I mean that he's managed to address something that lies at the heart of the Singaporean mentality. The competitive schooling environment, the pervasive fear of losing out in an exam-oriented education system that places a lot of importance on paper qualifications. Terrific!

Should go for oscar awards Win the best movies This is movies from SINGAPORE only! show in china already buy the VCD

"I Not Stupid" brilliantly portrays what Singaporeans are like. Jack Neo has done it! He finally made a brilliant movie!

Through this movie, you'll be able to know how typical Singaporeans talk and behave. That everything your parents do is "for your own good". So much so that one of the kids becomes so spoiled until he can't even prepare his own breakfast!

You'll also understand why Singaporeans don't question much. It's all because of the way the parents treat the kids, making them a bunch of "obedient" citizens.

Jack Neo even went on to criticize the government in a very subtle way, and that scene actually made me laugh the loudest!

So if you want to know how Singaporeans are like, see this wonderful piece!

It's a fantastic movie. Everyone in Singapore should see it. I am wondering how i miss it. Being in Singapore from last few years, i was knowing that Singaporean movies can be so great. Cast, subject, Dialouges are just great. Although i read the movie (Don't know the language), it was fun to read/ watch this movie. A "Must-See" movie. Great comedy. It's a remarkable film, hope Bollywood movies maker will learn something from this movie. Huang Po Ju acting was LOL. Selena Tan is good. Richard Low is just great. I'll wait for other movies from Mr. Neo. Tonite i am planning to watch part II. 5 out of 5 Mr. Neo. Thumbs Up :)

I Not Stupid really reflects what children today face. It's a really good movie to educate parents on the pressures they don't realise their children have. It also shows the highly competitive society we live in today. It reminds us to take a break to think and reflect. Parents should watch this movie to better understand their child's live. I also really like this show as it reminds me of my primary school days where the popular kids would always challenge the teacher. It is a great movie which is worth your time. To all non-singaporean viewers, although you might not understand the phrases in dialects, it is still a great story through the plot alone.

Being a Malaysian who stayed in Singapore for a long time and just recently migrated to Australia, I've had almost no interest in Singaporean movies. This movie depicts the typical education system in Singapore today and how parents put pressure on their children to study hard and yadda yadda yadda. I've battled the education system there long enough to know that it's tough, and that typical Singaporean kids would love to watch this show and let their parents and maybe even the government know about how much pressure the education system is putting on them.

The acting, in my opinion, is average. It's about the same as those in the Singaporean dramas, most of which I don't bother to watch. The dialogue is Singaporean-like, with Singlish in between.

It all starts with 3 boys who are friends and in the EM3 stream, which is the worst stream you can ever enter. They're struggling with schoolwork, exams and pressure from their parents to study hard. It's been quite some time since I've seen this movie, so I've forgotten most of the storyline already.

It's sometimes funny, yet some people say it's tear-jerking. I don't see what's so sad or touching about this movie. Anyway, Singaporean movies don't interest me. I'm not like a typical Singaporean kid who thinks the Singaporean way. So if you're like me, you would only watch this show because of the funny bits, otherwise forget it.

This is a great movie.

I urge you to buy a legit copy if you're a Singaporean. I've been guilty of buying pirated intellectual property in the past but this time it's really a test of "the Singaporean character".

Singapore is the only country I know of where Singaporeans do not support Singaporeans. It is time to change that.

Jack Neo has done a good job in putting subtle yet clear messages in every corner. I'm pleased to hear that he survived the censors and hope he did not antagonize the government. I heard that this movie also has gotten the attention of the media and our government.

The issues brought up in this movie are all real and reasons why I chose to leave Singapore. This movie made me homesick instantly.

I want to congratulate Jack Neo and his team for their courage to pursue this film. You have the courage that I didn't have. Press on.

If you're a Singaporean and you've not watched it yet, please do.

If you're a parent, please re-think about what "best for your kid".

If you're an executive, ang-moh's are not superior.

If a guy litters, you're not being kay poh to ask him to pick it up.

Living in America, it is not my ability in the English language that make me proud. It is my ability in the Chinese language, culture & history that sets me apart from the rest. Don't forget your roots.

I wish all of us, Singaporeans, luck.

Sincerely, Hokkien Peng

Well I have to say that it was very true to life, things like that happen all the time in Singapore (so I really don't know why some people in Singapore call it "creative" since it was lifted straight from life). This movie was set in a primary school, I'm not sure which. I graduated from primary school 3 years ago, but being in a class with some EM3 students, I have to admit that life for an EM3 student was just seriously bad, when you have the misfortune of meeting people who judge you by your results. Even though I was never in EM3, I could still feel for the kids portrayed in the movie because I've seen it before in life, and some of the pressure was also felt by students in the EM2 stream as well (though not as much), which I was in.