Singapore, late 90s. The friendship between the maid Teresa and young boy Jiale ignite the mother's jealousy, while the Asian recession hits the region.
Not all magically benevolent nannies fly on talking umbrellas, as we learn in this beautifully formed little heart-tugger.
A huge hit in Singapore, first time feature film director Anthony Chen has shaped a smart, engaging, universal drama.
Ilo Ilo is a story told with enormous sympathy and flair, and an almost novelistic skill in getting inside the principals' heads. Chen is a real film-maker to watch.
Shot with extraordinary intimacy and naturalism, and boasting superbly unaffected performances from the core cast, this sympathetic and engaging drama is deceptively gentle in its insight – compassionate yet unsentimental.
Compassionate, beautifully acted and wryly funny.
Ilo Ilo director Anthony Chen: 'A lot of maids have forsaken their own children'
Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow from Friday May 2, 2014, until Thursday May 8, 2014. More info: http://www.glasgowfilm.org/theatre/
Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee from Friday May 23, 2014, until Thursday May 29, 2014. More info: www.dca.org.uk
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