# Apprentice (2016) — Celluloid fact sheet

Source: https://celluloidscore.com/movies/apprentice-2016/
Last reviewed: 2026-08-31

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Celluloid Score | 76% |
| Editorial Rating | 88/100 |
| Audience Snapshot | 78% (excluded from composite) |
| Metascore | 74/100 |
| Letterboxd | 3.6/5 |
| IMDb | 6.9/10 |
| Director | Boo Junfeng |
| Genres | Drama |
| Runtime | 96 min |
| Festival premiere | MIFFest 2017 (Best New Director) |

## Quick answer

Apprentice (2016) earns a 76% Celluloid Score — Recommended. Boo Junfeng’s Singapore death-row drama won Best New Director at MGGA 2017 — a Un Certain Regard title that helped defin Metascore 74/100. Directed by Boo Junfeng.

## Celluloid verdict

Boo Junfeng’s Singapore death-row drama won Best New Director at MGGA 2017 — a Un Certain Regard title that helped define MIFFest’s regional focus.

## Synopsis

When ambitious young correctional officer Aiman is transferred to the country's highest-security prison, he catches the attention of the seasoned chief executioner Rahim. Aiman's desire to become the hangman's apprentice is not only professional but born of an unspeakable urge to reconnect with a past that haunts him.

## Cast

Fir Rahman, Wan Hanafi Su, Mastura Ahmad, Boon Pin Koh, Nickson Cheng, Crispian Chan, Gerald Chew, Ong Chao Hong, Sean Tobin

## Accolades

Premiered at MIFFest 2017, where it won the Best New Director.

## Where to watch

Indonesia: Netflix
Malaysia: Netflix

## Critic reviews on Celluloid: 1

## Common questions

**Is Apprentice worth watching?**
Apprentice holds a 76% Celluloid Score. Boo Junfeng’s Singapore death-row drama won Best New Director at MGGA 2017 — a Un Certain Regard title that helped define MIFFest’s regional focus.

**What is Apprentice about?**
When ambitious young correctional officer Aiman is transferred to the country's highest-security prison, he catches the attention of the seasoned chief executioner Rahim. Aiman's desire to become the hangman's apprentice is not only professional but born of an unspeakable urge to reconnect with a past that haunts him.

**Who directed Apprentice?**
Apprentice (2016) was directed by Boo Junfeng.

**What is the Celluloid Score of Apprentice?**
76% — calculated from available Celluloid editorial (88/100), Metascore (74/100), Letterboxd (3.6/5), and IMDb (6.9/10) inputs. Audience sentiment is excluded.

**Where can I watch Apprentice?**
Apprentice is on Netflix in Indonesia; on Netflix in Malaysia. Availability varies by region.

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Reviewed and scored by Celluloid · Editor: Kaiser Khan (https://celluloidscore.com/author/kaiser-khan/)

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