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Anna & Anna

Anna & Anna (2007)

Sep 26, 2007 1h 30m Drama Romance Thriller

Anna & Anna is a movie about a Singaporean arts saleswoman / alpha female and her subdued doppelganger. Anna One (the arts saleswoman) is very successful in her job, and gets posted to Shanghai, where she used to live before. There, by a coincidence, she finds another woman who not only like her but IS her - Anna Two. This Anna has finished her studies, become a painter, and stayed with Oulang, a depressed musician - the life as Anna One's could have been, had she made another decision at one point of her life.

Directed by Aubrey Lam Oi-Wah

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Aubrey Lam Oi-Wah
Writer
  • Sin-Ngor Wong
  • Aubrey Lam Oi-Wah
Producer
  • Pearry Reginald Teo

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Anna & Anna examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Aubrey Lam Oi-Wah brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2007, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Anna & Anna took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 43 unique compositions.
  • The film contains approximately 1474 individual shots.
  • The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 2007, when this film is released:
  • Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
  • The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While Anna & Anna shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike In the Navel of the Sea, which focuses more on action than character development, Anna & Anna offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Charly and Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood explore similar territory, Anna & Anna stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: September 26, 2007
  • Runtime: 1h 30m