Anak - Vilma Santos (2000) - View from The Peak

How about a Filipino film for a change? I've been on the lookout for an old Filipino film called Hongkong Honeymoon for many many years. It stars Zaldy Zshornack and (from some clips I have seen) features some nice 1960 B&W scenery from around Hong Kong. Sadly, it appears to be completely out of existence and I've had no luck. If anyone knows where a copy might be found, please feel free to comment.

In the meantime, here is another Filipino film of more recent vintage and one that is perhaps more relatable to the many Filipino domestic helpers who work and live in Hong Kong. Anak tells the story of Josie (Vilma Santos) who leaves the Philippines to come to Hong Kong to earn more money, but it's at the expense of the relationship with her children who resent her absence and misunderstand why she has left them. Things are made worse when her husband dies and she is unable to return for his funeral - let's just say that her Hong Kong employers aren't the nicest of people. Much of the story is set back in the Philippines where Josie returns after several years to reunite with her children. However, there are still a few scenes shot in Hong Kong that make it worthy of including on the blog.

The film was available to watch on Youtube via the official channel of Star Cinema who also produced it, but since I watched it just a few weeks ago it has been removed. You may get more luck searching their channel directly.

The film opens with Josie narrating about her life in Hong Kong over a variety of images of the place starting with this one taken from Lugard Road around the top of the Peak.