Watch Remittance

Remittance is a 2018 film that tells the story of a mother, Marie (played by Maritte Lee Go), who leaves her children behind in the Philippines to work as a domestic helper in Singapore. The film's title refers to the money that Marie sends back to her family every month from her salary. The film opens with Marie's departure from her hometown, leaving her children in the care of her sister. She embarks on a new journey to Singapore to start a new life and earn money to provide for her family. As soon as she arrives, she is immediately plunged into a world of hard work and isolation. Her employers are strict, and she must work long hours without rest.

However, despite the difficulties, Marie remains determined to save enough money to provide a better life for her children. She makes friends with other domestic helpers and learns about their struggles and sacrifices. The film highlights the harsh realities of being a foreign worker and the loneliness and isolation that come with it.

Marie's children, meanwhile, are struggling back in the Philippines. Her daughter is being bullied at school, and her son has been forced to drop out of college due to lack of funds. Marie sends money home every month, hoping to alleviate their problems. However, as the film progresses, we see how the distance between Marie and her children starts to take its toll.

The film's emotional core is Marie's relationship with her children. As the months go by, the children become increasingly distant, and Marie's attempts to connect with them over the phone are met with indifference. She misses out on important milestones in their lives, such as her daughter's graduation, and the children start to resent her absence.

The film also explores the theme of identity and belonging. Marie struggles to adjust to life in Singapore and feels like an outsider. She becomes disheartened by the discrimination she faces from locals and other domestic helpers. This sense of dislocation is compounded by her feelings of guilt and inadequacy as a mother.

Remittance is a poignant, moving film that shines a light on the experiences of foreign workers and their families. The performances are strong, particularly Maritte Lee Go's portrayal of Marie, which is understated yet powerful. Maurice Go is also excellent as Marie's son, bringing a raw emotionality to his scenes.

Director Patrick Lung Kong masterfully depicts the contrasts between Marie's life in Singapore and her family's life in the Philippines. There are scenes of breathtaking natural beauty in the Philippines, juxtaposed with the sterile, concrete cityscape of Singapore. The film's sound design also adds to its immersive quality, using ambient noise and silence to create a sense of isolation and unease.

Overall, Remittance is a thought-provoking film that explores themes of sacrifice, identity, and connection. Its portrayal of the struggles of foreign workers and their families is both honest and affecting, making it a must-see for anyone interested in social justice and human rights.