AND THE BREADWINNER IS… (2024) Review
Directed by Jun Robles Lana
Vice Ganda in a Jun Robles Lana film is a dream project. Not just for the gays but for those who are fan of both and want something like the best of both worlds granting this to come true. And now, with ‘And The Breadwinner Is…,’ things are a bit mixed but the collaboration between the two is definitely worth it.
You could say that I’m an apologist for being fine with the slapstick parts of the film but I actually wasn’t looking at them as slapstick because I do some of the those things with my friends. But that’s just one of the film’s issues. Stay with me on this, the film’s issues or flaws actually made it more interesting. I can’t say they made the film better because narrative-wise, they’re means for the story to move forward or to turn the tension up, may not be in the most sensible way but emotionally, you’re there. These flaws draw the audience to where the story wants emotionally.
The flaws made me love the film even more because those flaws open conversation about issues within the family and in society.
The comedy in ‘And The Breadwinner Is…’ may not be as snappy as Vice Ganda’s previous films but this is by far her best, her most emotional and Vice at her most vulnerable. The film knows the struggles it wants to show and presents it with a lot of heart and exceptional performances. Hope the film’s message carry through.
Vice Ganda as Bambi is her most relatable and most accessible character. I wasn’t looking at the film as a Vice Ganda film because I don’t want to see her branding. This is Vice Ganda being naked, showing her most vulnerable side, but you can still Vice Ganda here – the Vice Ganda who’s a real person. A person who has problems, a person who struggles in life. A real gay person who struggled working to earn for her family. Someone who doesn’t think of her own happiness or how to rest after a long day.
I have a personal issue with its ending though. Yes, it happens – you can die because of the things you do for your loved ones but maybe that is one of the film’s message. That maybe the audience and their families can, in a way, think of this as a cautionary tale to take better care for their loved ones especially those who work hard to provide for them.
The film is also a proof of how great Eugene Domingo is as a supporting character to the lead. But not only Domingo is worth mentioning in the film because it has a great ensemble. From Gladys Reyes, Maris Racal, Kokoy de Santos, Anthony Jennings, Jhong Hilario, Malou de Guzman, its cast is one of the film’s strengths.
It maybe a film that’s too familiar for a Filipino audience but with its sincere storytelling and excellent ensemble, ‘And The Breadwinner Is…’ both delightful and heartwarming.
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
‘And The Breadwinner Is…’ is an official entry to the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival. Now showing in cinemas nationwide from Star Cinema and The IdeaFirst Company. Rated PG by the MTRCB. #AndTheBreadWinnerIs