With the rapid rise of online streaming services, the apprentice watching movies from the comfort of your own home has become incredibly convenient. One such movie that has captured the attention of audiences is The Apprentice. Whether you’re an avid fan of thought-provoking dramas or just looking for something new to watch, The Apprentice is a film that delivers on various fronts. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about The Apprentice—from its storyline and themes to where you can watch it online, what critics think of it, and much more.
So, sit back, grab your popcorn, and let’s explore everything about The Apprentice!
Overview of “The Apprentice”
The Apprentice is a thought-provoking drama that explores the complexities of human nature, ethics, and redemption. Directed by Boo Junfeng, this Singaporean drama was released in 2016 and has since garnered international attention for its compelling storytelling, emotional depth, and daring exploration of difficult topics.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Aiman, a 28-year-old correctional officer who is newly transferred to a high-security prison. The main character, Aiman, is soon drawn into the world of Rahim, the prison’s chief executioner. Rahim is nearing retirement, and upon noticing Aiman’s curiosity, he begins to mentor him as a potential successor to carry out the death penalty—a job that involves hanging prisoners.
As the film unfolds, it becomes clear that Aiman has a personal connection to the death penalty; his father was executed when he was a child. This emotional burden raises the stakes for Aiman as he grapples with his growing role in the prison system, his moral dilemmas, and his past trauma. The movie delves into the psychological impact of capital punishment and forces viewers to confront their own beliefs about justice and humanity.
The Apprentice is as much about Aiman’s internal conflict as it is about the ethical questions surrounding the death penalty. The film doesn’t provide easy answers but instead invites viewers to reflect on these complex issues.
Where Can You Watch “The Apprentice” Online?
If you’re eager to watch The Apprentice, the good news is that it’s available on a variety of online streaming platforms. Here are some of the best places to stream it legally:
1. Amazon Prime Video
The Apprentice is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, one of the most popular platforms for movies and TV shows. You can either watch it for free with your Prime membership or rent/purchase the film if it’s not available in your region as part of the subscription.
- Cost: Free with Prime membership or available for rent at approximately $3.99 and purchase for $9.99.
- Quality: HD available.
- Pros: Offers subtitles and closed captions, ideal for international audiences.
2. Netflix
Depending on your region, The Apprentice may be available on Netflix. Since Netflix has an extensive library of international films, it’s always worth checking if the movie is available for streaming in your country.
- Cost: Included with your Netflix subscription.
- Quality: Available in HD and with subtitle options.
- Pros: High-quality streaming with multiple device compatibility.
3. Hulu
Hulu also offers The Apprentice for streaming, particularly in its library of independent and international films. If you already have a Hulu subscription, this could be a convenient option for watching the movie.
- Cost: Included with Hulu subscription plans.
- Quality: HD streaming options available.
- Pros: Allows for multi-device streaming and includes subtitles.
4. YouTube Movies
You can rent or buy The Apprentice directly from YouTube Movies. This option is great for those who don’t have subscriptions to other streaming platforms but still want access to the film.
- Cost: Rent for $3.99 or purchase for $9.99.
- Quality: Available in HD and 4K.
- Pros: No subscription required, simple to access on any device with an internet connection.
5. Vudu
Vudu is another option for watching The Apprentice. You can either rent or purchase the movie to stream directly from the platform.
- Cost: Rent for $3.99 or purchase for $9.99.
- Quality: Offers both HD and SD streaming options.
- Pros: No subscription needed, and Vudu is known for excellent video quality.
6. Apple TV
Apple TV also offers The Apprentice for rent or purchase. If you use Apple devices, this is a seamless option for viewing.
- Cost: Rental price is $3.99, and the purchase price is $9.99.
- Quality: Available in HD.
- Pros: Great for those already within the Apple ecosystem, easy integration with iCloud.
Themes and Key Messages in The Apprentice
The Apprentice is not just a movie about prison life or the death penalty; it’s a film that delves into deeper themes of morality, guilt, and the human condition. Here are some of the most prominent themes in the movie:
1. The Ethical Dilemma of Capital Punishment
At its core, The Apprentice raises significant questions about the morality of the death penalty. Through the eyes of Aiman, viewers are asked to think about whether carrying out a death sentence is justified, and if it is, at what cost to the individuals who perform it. The psychological toll on both the executioner and those involved in the system is a central focus of the film.
2. Redemption and Forgiveness
Aiman’s story is also one of personal redemption and the search for forgiveness. Haunted by the execution of his father, Aiman seeks to reconcile his past with his present actions. The film paints a portrait of a man wrestling with whether it’s possible to forgive the system that took his father’s life, and whether he can forgive himself for becoming part of it.
3. Power Dynamics and Authority
The movie also examines the relationship between authority and morality. Rahim, the experienced executioner, represents a figure of power who sees his role as both necessary and inevitable. Aiman, on the other hand, struggles to understand the human cost of such authority. The power dynamics between the two characters play out as Aiman grapples with whether to take on the role of executioner, and what it means to wield such power over life and death.
4. The Cycle of Trauma
Aiman’s past trauma of losing his father to execution plays a pivotal role in shaping his character. The movie delves into how trauma can perpetuate itself in cycles, influencing future actions and choices. Aiman’s emotional conflict about becoming an executioner despite his painful past serves as a symbol of the often-inextricable links between past suffering and present decisions.
Critical Reception of The Apprentice
The Apprentice has received a mix of critical acclaim and audience praise for its bold exploration of difficult topics. Many critics have noted the film’s unflinching look at the death penalty and its refusal to offer easy answers. It’s a movie that’s designed to make you think long after the credits roll.
Positive Reviews
- The Hollywood Reporter praised the movie for its “quiet, contemplative approach,” highlighting Boo Junfeng’s ability to create tension without resorting to melodrama.
- Variety called the film “emotionally charged and morally complex,” commending the performances of the lead actors, particularly Fir Rahman (Aiman) and Wan Hanafi Su (Rahim), for their subtle, powerful portrayals.
Audience Reception
Audiences have also responded well to The Apprentice, particularly those interested in thought-provoking dramas that tackle social issues. Viewers have praised the film for its emotional depth and for daring to question the morality of systems that often go unchallenged.
On popular movie-rating platforms like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb, the film maintains a solid rating, with many users leaving positive comments about its strong performances and engaging storyline.
Interesting Facts About The Apprentice
- International Film Festivals: The Apprentice premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2016 under the Un Certain Regard section, earning attention on the international stage for its intense subject matter.
- Singaporean Cinema: The movie is considered one of the standout films in modern Singaporean cinema, shedding light on topics rarely discussed in Southeast Asian films.
- Realistic Execution Methods: Boo Junfeng, the director, spent time studying the history of execution methods in Singapore to bring authenticity to the film. The execution scenes are portrayed with a chilling realism that adds to the moral complexity of the story.
Conclusion
The Apprentice is more than just a movie about capital punishment; it’s a film that forces you to confront tough ethical questions and consider the human cost behind such systems. With its well-crafted plot, complex characters, and emotional depth, it’s a must-watch for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking cinema.
Whether you’re drawn to its moral dilemmas, the powerful performances, or simply the unique storytelling, The Apprentice is a movie that leaves a lasting impression. Thanks to the availability of various online streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, and more, watching this critically acclaimed movie has never been easier.
So, why wait? If you’re in the mood for a film that will make you think, challenge your perspectives, and move you emotionally, The Apprentice is just a few clicks away!
