An estimated one million Filipinos died during World War II before Japanese occupation forces surrendered in 1945, and like many nations impoverished and demoralized by the Axis Powers, the effects of war lingered for many years to come. This bittersweet military victory is brilliantly brought to life in Lamberto Avellana’s Anak dalita (US: Child of Sorrow), the story of a decorated, disabled soldier coming home to a life of poverty, prostitution, and crime, and this collection’s sole contribution from the Philippines. Called home to say goodbye to his dying mother, Vic (Tony Santos) becomes attached to the neighboring prostitute Tita (Rosa Rosal) and her little brother; as his feelings for Tita grow, so does his resentment toward her professional life and the black market criminals that make her acquaintance. With the threat of eviction and a growing sense of hopelessness (“Our poverty will test your resolve”), Vic gives in to the temptation presented by Kardo (Joseph de Cordova), Tita’s pimp and a very wealthy black marketeer who offers Vic a spot in his smuggling enterprise. As expected in noir, this will only result in multiple tragedies. Bayer’s screenplay is skillfully crafted, weaving in natural religious elements (Philippines is one of the most Catholic countries in the world), and Avellana’s direction is deeply indebted to Italian neorealism. A dramatic highlight: when a fellow bar patron accidentally yanks his medal off his chest, a drunken, despairing Vic threatens him with a smashed bottle until he pins it back on and salutes him.