The “dreadful” finals season is upon NUS, and all the study areas are chockablocked with students. Anxiety levels are skyrocketing in NUS, and the university is blasting emails with important tips on how to deal with exam stress. One of my favorite ways to calm down and relax during exam season is to escape to a movie theatre!
In DC, I miss being able to watch Bollywood movies in cinema halls. So, the diversity of movies available in Singaporean movie theatres has been very exciting for me. Singaporean cinema halls not only play the standard Hollywood blockbusters but also cater to their diverse patrons by screening latest Bollywood, Tamil, Chinese, Japanese, Malay and Korean films! The best part about these films? They come with subtitles in different languages.
Here are 3 great Singaporean places for a unique movie session:
1. South Asian films at Bombay Talkies and Rex Cinema Theatres
I grew up watching Bollywood films, and they hold a special spot in my heart. However, Bombay Talkies and other Rex Cinema theatres screen not only Bollywood films but also the latest Tamil, Telugu and even Malay films. Most films have a screening at least once a day, but since these movie theatres are small and tend to screen more than five films, each film’s shows are limited.
These movie theatres also have special offers for students and senior citizens. Students can get two tickets at S$10 and senior citizens can watch a film for S$5!
2. Indie films at The Projector
One of my favorite places to watch movies in D.C. is the E-Street cinema, which often showcases indie films. In Singapore, you can find your fix of indie films at The Projector.
The Projector not only hosts screenings of indie films but also hosts interesting events like film festivals. The theatre has even paid an homage to Stanley Kubrick's The Shining by naming one of its rooms as the “Redroom.”
While The Projector has some really cool films and events, it’s tickets are on the pricier side. The standard ticket costs S$13.50, but students, seniors, domestic workers, persons with disabilities and even National Servicemen can avail tickets at a discounted price of S$11.50.
3. Free films at Changi!
As an exchange student, you are bound to encounter the marvel that is Singapore’s Changi airport. For me, the highlight of this airport has been the free movie theatre in Changi’s Terminals 2 and 3. The movie theatres have screenings every day and the airport even posts a schedule of movies that are going to be screened (Here is one such schedule: http://www.changiairport.com/content/dam/cag/5-airport-experience/3-services-facilities/movies/T2_Schedule_April.pdf) The best part about these movie theatres are that they are absolutely free of cost and you can walk in and out of the theatres at any time.
While Changi’s Terminal 1 does not have a movie theatre, it does have a free of cost TV lounge!
Singapore has no dearth of multiplexes and cinema halls that cater to all kinds of moviegoers. Personally, I have been trying to go and explore some outdoor movie screenings.
While going to the movies may not be the ideal exam break for everyone, it is definitely worth trying!