GES1012: Popular Culture in Singapore

ASSIGNMENT 3: A FILM
REVIEW OF HOMERUN (2003)

Likitha Raghavendra
A162622M
Tutorial Group 34

Word Count: 800

Homerun (2003), a heart-wrenching tale of the struggles faced by two siblings, is a popular

local film produced by actor-director Jack Neo. The audience is taken on a journey that

discusses wider socio-political issues in Singapore through the children’s pursuit of a pair of

lost shoes. It captures the struggles faced by the poorer stratum of society and provides a

commentary on the blemishes in Singapore’s meritocracy that parallels present society. The

movie also alludes to the precarious political relationship between Singapore and Malaysia

with a focus on tensions surrounding the water treaty. Despite the poignancy of the movie, it

captures a sense of community and hope for the future that serves as a silver lining.

Set in 1965, the story captures the struggles Chew Kiat Kun (Shaun Lee) and his younger sister,

Seow Fang (Megan Zheng) face when the former misplaces the latter’s school shoes. During

the conversation between the siblings’ parents, the audience is made acutely aware of the

family’s inability to afford monthly rent, let alone a new pair of shoes. Therefore, the siblings

decide to take turns wearing Kiat Kun’s shoes to avoid buying a new pair. Consequentially,

Kiat Kun is late for school causing him to be punished and even temporarily kicked out of

school. Despite being set in 1965, Homerun seemingly provides a commentary on the wanting

nature of meritocracy that mirrors present society. As the siblings are punished simply because

they are unable to afford a new pair of shoes, we see how disadvantage manifests in a way that

sabotages available opportunity. It encourages the audience to confront these truths about

society as a lack of awareness could unwittingly deny the less privileged opportunity to

improve their prospects1.

1
Tan, Kenneth Paul. "Meritocracy and Elitism in a Global City: Ideological Shifts in
Singapore." International Political Science Review / Revue Internationale De Science Politique 29, no. 1
(2008): 7-27. http://www.jstor.org.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/stable/20445123 (accessed November 1, 2019).
The dynamics between Kiat Kun’s and Tan Beng Soon’s (Joshua Ang) respective group of

friends appears to mimic the relationship between Singapore and Malaysia. As Singapore was,

and still is, dependent on Malaysia for nearly half of its water needs2, the water agreement has

historically been surrounded by tension. Beng Soon’s group of friends often strike deals, that

they back out as they see fit, with Kiat Kun’s group of friends. This culminates at the end of a

football match where Beng Soon reneges on his promise even though Kiat Kun’ team won.

Frustrated, Seow Hay (Ho Wenlong) produces the letter given to Kiat Kun by Beng Soon

documenting their agreement. This dynamic seemingly parallels the relationship between

Malaysia and Singapore with reference to the tensions surrounding Malaysia’s threats to cut

off Singapore’s water supply3 despite having a signed treaty. It provides a commentary on the

unreliability of Malaysia and evokes feelings of indignation amongst the audience. While it

may be one-sided as it captures only the Singaporean perspective, it could be argued that, that

is in fact the point.

Set in 1965, Homerun captures the anxiety and vulnerability of newly independent Singapore.

In the scene where the sibling’s mother is in labor, in the background, then Prime Minister Lee

Kuan Yew is heard announcing Singapore’s separation from Malaysia over the radio. The birth

of the baby could therefore be viewed as synonymous to the birth of a sovereign Singapore

whose future was vulnerable much like the baby. This image is further amplified by the muddy

road that the siblings encounter at the end of the movie. However, despite the challenges that

the future held, the new shoes given to the siblings at the end signify a renewed sense of hope

for the journey ahead. This aspect of the film possibly evokes nationalist sentiments among

2 Chew, Valerie. “Singapore-Malaysia Water Agreements,” Singapore Infopedia. Last modified July, 2019.
http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1533_2009-06-23.html (accessed October 30, 2019)

3
“A Close But Difficult Relationship,” Today Online, last modified March 23, 2015,
http://m.todayonline.com/rememberinglky/close-difficult-relationship-0 (accessed November 1, 2019).
Singaporeans who witnessed this part of history, while younger Singaporeans are provided an

eye-opening perspective to appreciate the country that Singapore is today.

There is a strong sense of community in the movie that captures the kampong’s spirit. The

provision store owner gives food to Kiat Kun’s family despite their unfulfilled payments. On

another occasion, Kiat Kun’s friends help him with his punishment for being late to school.

Even as Kiat Kun’s and Beng Soon’s groups have a fall out, they still identified as fellow

residents of the same kampung. This captures the strong kampong spirit in that period where

neighbors forged strong friendships and bonds4. This makes the film relatable as audiences

could indulge in the same feelings of warmth as they reflect on their own experiences of being

supported by their neighbours and friends.

Homerun is powerfully written to capture the struggles faced by the characters that remains

relevant to audiences viewing it post-release in 2003. It provides a very Singaporean

perspective of the past and commentary on various issues that continue to persist. It also gives

the audience an opportunity to appreciate the progress Singapore has made since her

independence. It is definitely deserving of its 2003 Golden Horse Awards nomination and

worth watching.

4
“Kampong Spirit and Gotong Royong,” Remember Singapore, last modified September, 17, 2013,
https://remembersingapore.org/2013/09/17/kampong-spirit-and-gotong-royong/ (accessed October 30,
2019).
 Bibliography

“A Close but Difficult Relationship,” Today Online. Last modified March 23, 2015.
http://m.todayonline.com/rememberinglky/close-difficult-relationship-0 (accessed
November 1, 2019).

Chew, Valerie. “Singapore-Malaysia Water Agreements,” Singapore Infopedia. Last modified

July, 2019. http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1533_2009-06-23.html
(accessed October 30, 2019)

“Kampong Spirit and Gotong Royong,” Remember Singapore. Last modified September, 17,
2013. https://remembersingapore.org/2013/09/17/kampong-spirit-and-gotong-royong/
(accessed October 30, 2019).

Tan, Kenneth Paul. "Meritocracy and Elitism in a Global City: Ideological Shifts in
Singapore." International Political Science Review / Revue Internationale De Science
Politique 29, no. 1 (2008): 7-27. http://www.jstor.org.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/stable
(accessed November 1, 2019).