Ilo Ilo
Ilo Ilo (Chinese: 爸妈不在家) is a 2013 Singaporean feature film. The debut work of director Anthony Chen, the film features an international cast, including Singaporean actor Chen Tianwen]], Malaysian actress Yeo Yann Yann and Filipino actress Angeli Bayani. The film was first premiered at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival on 19 May 2013, and was awarded the Camera d'Or award, thus becoming the first Singaporean feature film to win an award at the Cannes Film Festival, and the second film to be premiered at the film festival.
Plot[edit]
The story traces the life of Teck and his family in 1997. Because of her pregnancy, Hwee Leng decides to hire a domestic helper - known in Singapore parlance as a maid - to help with household chores. Her son Jiale resents the intrusion of Teresa, known affectionately as Terry, into the household, but slowly takes a liking to her.
The 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, looming in the background, causes salesman father Teck to lose his job. He becomes a security guard, but keeps mum about his job loss. Hwee Leng is cheated out of $2,000 by a phony motivational speaker, to compound matters. The growing financial strain on the family's finances cause them to decide to send Terry back to the Philippines. In desperation, Jiale banks his hopes on winning 4D, to 'save' Terry and allow her to continue working for the family. Jiale's plan fails and Terry is sent back to the Philippines.
Cast[edit]
- Chen Tianwen as Teck
- Yeo Yann Yann as Hwee Leng
- Koh Jia Ler as Jiale
- Angeli Bayani as Teresa
Reception[edit]
Ilo Ilo received positive reviews at the Cannes Film Festival. At its debut screening, the film received a 15-minute standing ovation from the audience, despite several technical glitches which interrupted the screening of the film. The film was later awarded the Camera d'Or award, an award which recognizes the best debut feature film in the competition.