Jermaine Rae A. Dimayacyac Caregiver071166 Anak

1Compared with the films Pasan Ko Ang Daigdig, Madrasta, Relasyon, and Biyaya ng Lupa, the films Caregiver and Anak are more focused with the lives of overseas Filipino workers as their theme. These films are realistic when it comes to their conversations, the problems presented, and the flow of story. Thus, these films are not just an escape to reality but also a lesson to most of the viewers and tribute to the overseas Filipino workers. Also, similar to Ora Pro Nobis (Fight for Us) and Dekada ’70, the films were not made just for the viewers’ entertainment but there is also social awareness and moral lesson integrated. 2With this reason, I think the level of film making has been raised even more.

3Despite the slight differences, these films still manifested some traits/flaws of previous Filipino films but with a different approach. The films Caregiver and Anak were dramatic enough for drama scenes as observed with how they confront the problems in their families and with their job. This has been shown in the scene where Sara (Sharon Cuneta) and Teddy (John Estrada) confronted each other because of their jobs, their life in London, and their only child left in the Philippines. Another trait or flaw present in the films but in a different light is digression. The films Caregiver and Anak have minimal digressions compared to previous films. Although, these digressions added drama to some dramatic scenes like when Josie (Vilma Santos) was singing and at the same time, reminiscing the times when her husband was still alive. There are also digressions in the movie Caregiver like when all the Filipino workers gathered in a certain place where a singer was singing about the life of an overseas worker until the song became the background music for the drama scene of Teddy (John Estrada) and Sara (Sharon Cuneta). Despite the digressions being minimal, these digressions still added to the dramatic scenes. Perhaps, this trait was still given a moment in this film for the viewers’ entertainment or to make the viewers feel the agony of the characters because I think, one of the elements that really makes a film is the music. Then, also, there is still the tendency for overt representation. Like in the film Anak, the way Josie (Vilma Santos) is dressed in the movie made her look like a real OFW. Also, Josie’s two friends, Lyn (Amy Austria) and Mercy (Cherry Pie Picache), really looked like domestic helpers with their outfit. Furthermore, the dialogue of the actors are very striking that made the film more realistic. An example would be the part of the film Anak where Josie (Vilma Santos) and Carla (Claudine Barretto) had this dramatic conversation in the end, which is my favorite part, where Josie (VIlma Santos) confronted Carla (Claudine Barretto) before she goes back to HongKong. Last is the emphasis on the centrality of the star. Again, this trait is not evident anymore with the characters. Their characters are really different from how the people see them in real life. And, I guess, this is a challenge for most the artists. This is a challenge to move away from the roles typical to them and to step up, also, to raise the quality of Filipino films. Like the roles of Vilma Santos and Sharon Cuneta as OFWs. 4With this reason, I think the actors improved in their portrayal of their roles because these roles are very different from their personality and it became a challenge to them to improve their acting skills.

5Since I think the movies Caregiver and Anak are higher in the level of film making compared to previous films, these films also affected me more. The dramatic scenes were more realistic this time. The digression made the viewers feel the sorrow of the characters. The overt representation also adds up to the whole idea of poverty and lack of jobs in our country. Also, the actors’ portrayal of their roles improved. 6With all these reasons, I say that these films are better.