1997: Singapore is in the midst of the Asian crisis. The Lim family is fighting for its existence. Now, of all times, their son Jiale goes crazy and attracts attention with his bad behavior. Can Teresa, the newly hired Filipino nanny, save the day? ILO ILO is a sensitive film by Anthony Chen that captures the complex relationship between the Lim family and their new domestic help Teresa in Singapore in the late 1990s. Teresa, a Filipina, comes to Singapore hoping for a better life and joins a family whose bonds are already being tested in the midst of the Asian financial crisis. The family, consisting of little Jiale, his pregnant mother Hwee Leng and his father Teck, struggle to maintain their middle-class standard of living. Teresa, who has left her own family behind, quickly finds herself in a difficult position as she tries to find her place in a family wrestling with its own insecurities. Chen's film is not only a story about class and racial tensions, but also a profound portrait of family dynamics and personal sacrifice. With a touch of humor and a lot of heart, ILO ILO offers an intimate look at one family's life as it changes in times of economic uncertainty. The director skillfully weaves together the personal tragedies and small triumphs of his characters, making ILO ILO a moving and nuanced insight into human nature.
A lovely, intimate drama of family dynamics under stress, offering an intriguing peek into previously unseen Singaporean middle-class life.
1997: Singapore is in the midst of the Asian crisis. The Lim family is fighting for its existence. Now, of all times, their son Jiale goes crazy and attracts attention with his bad behavior. Can Teresa, the newly hired Filipino nanny, save the day?
ILO ILO is a sensitive film by Anthony Chen that captures the complex relationship between the Lim family and their new domestic help Teresa in Singapore in the late 1990s. Teresa, a Filipina, comes to Singapore hoping for a better life and joins a family whose bonds are already being tested in the midst of the Asian financial crisis.
The family, consisting of little Jiale, his pregnant mother Hwee Leng and his father Teck, struggle to maintain their middle-class standard of living. Teresa, who has left her own family behind, quickly finds herself in a difficult position as she tries to find her place in a family wrestling with its own insecurities.
Chen's film is not only a story about class and racial tensions, but also a profound portrait of family dynamics and personal sacrifice. With a touch of humor and a lot of heart, ILO ILO offers an intimate look at one family's life as it changes in times of economic uncertainty. The director skillfully weaves together the personal tragedies and small triumphs of his characters, making ILO ILO a moving and nuanced insight into human nature.