Anak (2001)

Anak (2001)
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A woman struggling to make a better life for her family finds that her efforts have caused a rift between her and her children in this downbeat family drama. Josie (Vilma Santos) is a mother of three from the Philippines who took a job in Hong Kong, working as a nanny for a wealthy couple for several years. Josie knew she could make far more money in Hong Kong than she could at home, but she also had qualms about how this would effect her children, especially when her husband died not long after she left. When Josie returns home, she has gifts for everyone and has saved a large percentage of her salary, which she plans to use to start a business; but her children don't welcome their mother with open arms. The younger kids, Daday (Sheila May Alvero) and Michael (Baron Geisler), are guarded around Josie, and while in time they are able to mend their relationship with their mother, the oldest, Carla (Claudine Barretto) does nothing to disguise her resentment for what she sees as a callous abandonment of her family. Carla openly challenges Josie's authority, starts dating boys she knows her mother would not approve of, flaunts her burgeoning sexuality, and begins using drugs. Anak received its American premiere at the 2001 San Francisco Asian-American Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Starring:
Vilma SantosJoel Torre, (more)
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Anak

A woman struggling to make a better life for her family finds that her efforts have caused a rift between her and her children in this downbeat family drama. Josie (Vilma Santos) is a mother of three from the Philippines who took a job in Hong Kong, working as a nanny for a wealthy couple for several years. Josie knew she could make far more money in Hong Kong than she could at home, but she also had qualms about how this would effect her children, especially when her husband died not long after she left. When Josie returns home, she has gifts for everyone and has saved a large percentage of her salary, which she plans to use to start a business; but her children don't welcome their mother with open arms. The younger kids, Daday (Sheila May Alvero) and Michael (Baron Geisler), are guarded around Josie, and while in time they are able to mend their relationship with their mother, the oldest, Carla (Claudine Barretto) does nothing to disguise her resentment for what she sees as a callous abandonment of her family. Carla openly challenges Josie's authority, starts dating boys she knows her mother would not approve of, flaunts her burgeoning sexuality, and begins using drugs. Anak received its American premiere at the 2001 San Francisco Asian-American Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
120 mins

Complete Cast of Anak


Writer(s):
Raymond LeeRicky Lee
Producer(s):
Trina Dayrit
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    Member Reviews
     
    Rhodge F.

    Great acting from both Claudine Barretto and Vilma Santos!

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    Cris F.

    isa sa mga ipagmamalaki mong pelikulang Pilipino!!!!

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    Carlo Daniel A.

    This film would've been perfect if they actually acknowledged more of the political aspects of why people must work abroad and tear the fabric of their families. (Its no surprise they didn't since many filipino actors are caught up in politics themselves including the main character in the film.) Aside from that, the story line is one of the best i've seen from a filipino movie. What impressed me the most was that it didn't focus too much on love (like many other cheesy filipino movies) but more on the family and the struggles they have to overcome. I applaud this movie because it is more realistic than most other filipino movies, which normally paint a picture of the Philippines and pilipinos that probably doesn't exist.

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