A Movie Review on Anak: One of the Best Filipino Films of All-Time

I was really looking for a great movie to watch last night and I decided to watch a Filipino film for a change. It is something I am honestly not used to since most of the time i often watch Hollywood films and series.

So I decided to watch "Anak" or "My Child" since I got really curious about the great hype of the movie although it was released in the early 2000's and considered by many to be one of the best Filipino Film of all time.

The Movie Poster

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That is the movie poster that was released on the year 2000. The movie casts were the star for all Season and veteran actress Vilma Santos and the young actress Ms. Claudine Barretto . The film was produced by Star Cinema and was directed by Rory Quintos as well.

Movie Summary

The main character is a Filipina Overseas Contract Worker who is Josie[Vilma Santos. She worked as a Domestic helper in Hongkong for her family, one of the many residents of the archipelago who is forced to leave her family and take a higher paying job in a more prosperous Asian country as the movie narrates. She experienced abused while she is working her employer refuses to let her take a vacation, nor does he deliver her mail to her from her family . She is unaware, therefore, that her husband has died without being in the Philippines. When she finally returns to the Philippines she is met with resentment and hatred by her children. The movie also studies how she overcomes these feelings and rebuilds the relationship with her family especially her daughter. A heavy drama film that will surely gives you a roller coaster emotions.

The Casts

Vilma Santos as Josie

Josie portrayed as a loving mother who is willing to do everything to support her family. She worked hard and went as Overseas Filipino Worker in Hongkong sacrificing her time for her family especially her children. The star for all season had played very tough job as a mother. Vilma was spectacular in every aspect of the movie. It was a heavy drama as there were a lot of heavy scene in which she cried every moment. She is clearly showing why she was the perfect spot for this role. The way she said those heavy lines breaks your heart. It way too convincing beyond. There are many moments that i forgot that it was just a movie.

Claudine Barretto as Carla

I have to give Claudine Barretto a big round of applause and a standing ovation playing Carla the oldest daughter of Josie. Claudine played stubborn, spoiled daughter who was heavily affected by her mother not with her side growing up. She grows with so much hatred to her mother and disrespect her when she went home to see her.Carla, does nothing to disguise her hatred and resentment for what she sees as callous abandonment of her family especially for Josie. Claudine's acting outstanding, no doubt it her break-out performance in her career. There are a lot scene that you just wanna slapped her in the face for her bratty attitude. That is how convincing her performance in that film is.

Theme and Lesson of the Movie

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Unconditional Love. One of the most evident themes is the unconditional love. The unconditional love of a mother, the unconditional love for her family and her unconditional love for her daughter that despite the circumstances she showed no weakness in her daughter.

Sacrifice. The movie gives us a glimpse of how much an Overseas Filipino Workers had sacrificed for their family in working abroad. The movie gives a a lesson that in life sacrifices are important in order to progress.

Never Giving Up. Although faced with so much challenges and adversity, the movie tackles an important lesson which is to not give up in life. Josie was struggling by the abuses of her boss and as well as the burden from her family. But she managed to remained optimistic as much as possible as she faced her problems.

Forgiveness. The most important lesson that the movie had shown us is the importance of forgiveness. The movie depicts how hard it is to live with a heart full of hatred. Forgiving someone is very important as it makes us feel better and happy. This is something that we can really apply in our daily lives.

Appreciation. In the movie ,Carla represents just how many Filipinos can be ungrateful at the same time, a possible consequence in OFW families, namely parental estrangement, right? The movie teaches us to appreciate every little things that we have.

Here is the trailer of the movie from YouTube

"The Movie was Powerful, Realistic and Heart-warming"

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Conclusion

Overall, as a conclusion I would really really recommend this film for everyone. The movie is a great quality Filipino produced film that that started strong and ended very strong. The movie has depicts many social issues that is very timely and relevant to the Filipino society.

The movie was powerful and heartwarming that will surely brings out emotions in you. It is something one of a kind that touches your soul. This exemplified that Filipinos need to be fed with more thought-provokingand realistic films like "Anak". In addition the movie conveys and reflects the daily life as well as the intense moments with an exceptional credibility which makes the overall narrative so powerful it should leave its audience feeling that this is one of the main reasons for storytelling.

Thank you so much what are your thoughts? Do you agree with me?