Filipinian nanny Gloria is taking care of the daughter Jackie (Sophie) of the rich American Vidales family, while Gloria's own children miss her back home. Jackie's mother Ellen is a busy surgeon. Despite having a mutually loving relationship with her daughter, she sometimes feels insufficient as a mother, with Gloria doing everything.

Jackie's father Leo, a successful game designer and a great father, flies to the Philippines with his business partner. While waiting for a contract to become ready for signing, he meets a prostitute. He's unwilling to conduct business, seeing her as an exploited girl, but slowly befriends her.

Common to all adults is that they are away from their children. Another theme is the inequality between the two cultures, which contrast is clearly presented in alternating between the locations. If you focus on the treatment of the social issues, the plot might seem a bit thin, but for me the merits of the movie far overcome the weaknesses. Told sensitively and beautifully, the story doesn't simplify anything, and doesn't preach. All acting is very good, and the characters real and likeable. Direction and visual style are unusually attractive.

Jackie's role, although essential, is on the small side. For most of the movie she is very adorable, a curious, smart girl who loves her nanny and her parents. Compared to many such roles, this one is very good, with enough dialogue that we learn to know and love her. Around Jackie exists the tension between her nanny and mother, but it's not visible to her. Only in the end does she face a conflict, which however is part of a greater, overall positive closure.