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Rory B. Quintos (director), Anak, 2000. 135 min.

Where would we be without our mothers?

Watching Anak, one is immediately drawn into its poignant narrative, centred on the life of a rebellious child whose mother works overseas as a domestic helper in Hong Kong, serving as the family’s primary breadwinner. The film delves deeply into a single, universal theme—familial struggles intensified by physical separation—crafting a story that resonates profoundly within the Philippine context, where children often grapple with feelings of abandonment as their parents strive to provide from afar. What sets Anak apart is its unvarnished honesty. The dialogue is straightforward and unembellished, eschewing filters or romanticisation. Yet, its simplicity carries weight, engaging the audience with raw, emotional authenticity. Through this unflinching portrayal, the film offers a striking glimpse into the often-overlooked realities faced by many Filipino families, creating a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and deeply relatable.

The plot of this film is simple—perhaps more aptly described as straightforward. It delves into the strained relationship between a mother and her rebellious child, capturing the profound misunderstandings that arise between them. The narrative takes a poignant turn as the child, once defiant, comes to a heartfelt realization of the consequences of her actions, leading to a transformative shift in their fortunes and relationship.

The true hero of this story is the mother, a steadfast figure who selflessly shoulders the burden of being the family’s breadwinner, striving to provide a better life for her loved ones. Her journey is both inspiring and heartrending, as her happiness hinges on her child’s transformation from rebellion to responsibility—a pivotal moment that restores harmony within the family. Yet, the narrative takes a bittersweet turn: the mother must once again leave to work abroad, marking a poignant and tragic conclusion. This ending underscores the profound sacrifices endured by many families, where the absence of a mother’s presence is an aching void, made even more poignant by the knowledge that her care is directed toward others far from home.

The sad conclusion of the story can be attributed to a combination of character flaws and social issues. While it is important not to judge or discriminate against Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), one might wonder: What if these workers put the same effort into finding jobs within the Philippines, thus strengthening their connection with their families? Instead of working abroad and leaving their children behind, would it be possible to make a different choice? At the same time, it is imperative to understand that many OFWs (up until now) are victims of poverty, unemployment, and low wages, which often force them to seek work overseas.

The mother, as the protagonist, is a truly inspiring figure. She is willing to sacrifice everything to provide for her family, demonstrating the depth of a mother’s love and devotion, bringing to the table a Filipina spirit of resilience and selflessness. Her journey shows how these sacrifices often come with great personal costs.

The film’s plot unfolds over a single day, reflecting on the mother’s decision to leave her family years ago to work as a domestic worker abroad. After her husband’s death, she returns home to be with her family, which reignites tension, particularly with her eldest child.

One predictable element in the film is the eventual transformation of the rebellious child into a responsible and caring daughter—a resolution that aligns with audience expectations. However, the true emotional twist lies in the mother’s decision to continue working abroad. This choice, though rooted in love and sacrifice, delivers a poignant and bittersweet ending, highlighting the enduring struggles of families separated by necessity. The mother’s unyielding commitment to providing for her family, even at the cost of her physical presence, adds depth to the narrative, leaving viewers reflecting on the sacrifices that underpin such stories of resilience.

How to cite: Espenido, Jhon Steven C. “The Cost of Love and Sacrifice in Rory B. Quintos’s Anak.” Cha: An Asian Literary Journal, 15 Jan. 2025, chajournal.blog/2025/01/15/anak.

Jhon Steven C. Espenido graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language from Surigao del Norte State University in the Philippines. A native of Surigao City, he is a passionate writer of poems, short stories, and opinion essays. His works have been featured in national publications such as the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Philippine Star, as well as in community newspapers across Mindanao, Philippines. [Read all contributions by Jhon Steven C. Espenido.]

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