Army Daze

Army Daze

Year: 1996

Runtime: 84 mins

Language: English

Director: Ong Keng Sen

Comedy

A Singaporean comedy follows a cohort of 18‑year‑old recruits as they embark on the nation’s compulsory two‑year army service. Though they come from diverse racial and family backgrounds, the youngsters discover common ground, forge lasting friendships and learn to cope with the demanding military routine.

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Timeline & Setting – Army Daze (1996)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Army Daze (1996). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Singapore

Army Daze unfolds on a Singaporean military base where five new recruits join Hotel Company Platoon 4 for compulsory National Service. The film contrasts grueling drills and strict discipline with the warmth of camaraderie among men from different backgrounds. The setting highlights how service transforms everyday life into a shared rite of passage in Singapore.

🇸🇬 Singapore 🪖 Military Training 🗺️ National Service

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:15

Main Characters – Army Daze (1996)

Meet the key characters of Army Daze (1996), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Malcolm Png

Malcolm is a nerdy, sheltered recruit who narrates the story. His intelligence makes him wary of the harsh environment, but his observations and growing boldness drive his personal growth as he negotiates authority and friendship within the platoon.

🧠 Nerd 🤝 Loyal 🎯 Strategic

Krishna Krishnamoorthy

Krishna is portrayed as a heroic and loving partner to his girlfriend Lathi. He faces the balance between courage and romance, showing loyalty and bravery even when the demands of training test his resolve.

❤️ Romantic 🤝 Loyal 💪 Brave

Lathi

Lathi is Krishna's girlfriend who provides emotional support and motivation. She navigates the tension between personal relationships and the expectations of army life, remaining a steady presence for Krishna and the group.

❤️ Romantic 🌟 Supportive 🎭 Complex

Johari Salleh

Johari is a laid-back Malay recruit whose humor and perspective balance the group. He deals with family dynamics, ambition, and a growing interest in media that foreshadows his post-service dreams.

😎 Laid-back 🎭 Entertaining 🎯 Ambitious

Kenny Pereira

Kenny is the effeminate recruit with a flair for women's lifestyle and a dream to become a dance choreographer. His honesty and resilience show that identity and aspiration can flourish under pressure.

💃 Fashionable 🎯 Ambitious 🤝 Loyal

Ah-Beng Teo

Ah-Beng is the delinquent with a gangster-like demeanor who nonetheless finds moments of luck, such as winning a lottery. His arc adds humor and a reminder that people can change their path.

🕶️ Rebellious 💼 Enterprising 😂 Comedic

Deanna Yusoff

Deanna Yusoff appears late in the story as a guest introduced by SGT Wendy Chung, adding a sense of spectacle and popular culture relevance to the film.

🎬 Cameo 🌟 Star 🧭 Inspiration

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:15

Major Themes – Army Daze (1996)

Explore the central themes of Army Daze (1996), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤝 Friendship

Five recruits from different backgrounds form a tight bond through shared missteps and hard training. They navigate drills, punishments, and homesickness together, learning to rely on one another. Their camaraderie evolves from awkward introductions to a brotherhood that sustains them through graduation.

❤️ Love

Romantic relationships drive part of the story, notably Krishna and Lathi, and the strain of duty tests loyalties. Their bond grounds the group amid the harsh routine of basic training. The film shows love persisting even as distance and obligations pull people apart.

🎖️ Discipline

The recruits endure strict discipline from tough instructors, grueling drills, and demanding field training. Authority shapes behavior while the men learn resilience and self-assertion. Humor and camaraderie exist alongside the pressure, revealing character under fire.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:15

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Unlock the Full Story of Army Daze

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Army Daze Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Army Daze, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Army Daze Summary

Army Daze Timeline

Track the full timeline of Army Daze with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Army Daze Timeline

Army Daze Spoiler-Free Summary

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Army Daze Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Army Daze

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More About Army Daze

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