Wazzup Pilipinas!?
“And the Breadwinner Is…” had all the ingredients of a powerful and memorable family film—an A-list comedian in Vice Ganda, a capable director in Jun Lana (known for Die Beautiful), and a core message that resonates deeply with Filipino culture: the sacrifices of the family breadwinner. Yet, somewhere between slapstick humor and heavy-handed melodrama, the film stumbles, leaving behind a product that feels uneven, forced, and, at times, painfully cringeworthy.
A Family Film That Struggles to Find Its Identity
Coming off a Christmas trip abroad, watching a family film with loved ones seemed like the perfect way to cap off the holiday season. The buzz around “And the Breadwinner Is…” suggested a ‘different’ Vice Ganda movie—one that would blend humor with meaningful drama. Unfortunately, the execution fell short of expectations.
The film starts with Vice Ganda’s signature brand of slapstick comedy, but instead of delivering sharp wit and lighthearted laughs, the humor often relies on tired tropes. Jokes about physical appearances, weight, and even death dominate the first half, many of which feel outdated, punching down rather than uplifting. For a seasoned comedian like Vice Ganda, it’s disappointing to see such humor executed without nuance or cleverness.
A Tale of Two Halves
The second half of the film shifts into dramatic territory—a tonal shift that, while promising on paper, feels jarring on screen. Much of the narrative relies on family confrontation scenes, particularly around Vice Ganda’s character discovering betrayal and unfulfilled promises after years of financial sacrifice.
However, the emotional moments fall flat, primarily because of poor pacing and inconsistent characterization. Key confrontation scenes occur at odd moments in the narrative. When Vice’s character learns about the truth behind the ‘multi-level dream house,’ one would expect an immediate, explosive confrontation. Instead, the film drags this moment out, diluting its impact.
Kokoy’s character, in particular, is an enigma. His dialogue in crucial scenes feels out of place, as if shoehorned in to deliver a ‘moral lesson’ rather than flowing naturally from the character’s motivations. This disconnect in timing, delivery, and emotional payoff ultimately robs the film of its cathartic potential.
The Missed Opportunity of a Strong Message
At its heart, “And the Breadwinner Is…” grapples with real, deeply relatable issues—family expectations, sibling rivalry, parental favoritism, and the often-unspoken sacrifices made by LGBT individuals who are frequently seen as their families' default providers. These are themes that could have been mined for profound emotional storytelling.
In a rare bright spot, the moments between Vice Ganda and the younger characters, particularly Argus and the little girl, stand out. Their discussion about calling Vice “MaPa” (a combination of Mama and Papa) touches on identity and respect in a way that feels authentic and heartwarming. Similarly, SB19’s “MaPa” song as part of the film’s OST serves as a perfect emotional anchor.
These glimmers of brilliance, however, are buried under layers of awkward dialogue, misplaced comedy, and undercooked dramatic arcs.
Jun Lana and Vice Ganda: What Went Wrong?
Director Jun Lana has previously shown his skill with emotionally charged narratives (Die Beautiful), and Vice Ganda has proven his box-office appeal in films like Praybeyt Benjamin. Together, they could have created something extraordinary. Yet, “And the Breadwinner Is…” feels like a mismatch of intentions—an attempt to balance Vice Ganda’s comedic persona with Jun Lana’s flair for melodrama.
It seems that the script was the film’s biggest weakness. The dialogues often felt contrived, the pacing uneven, and the emotional beats rushed or delayed.
Final Thoughts: A Film With a Good Heart, But a Flawed Execution
Despite its shortcomings, “And the Breadwinner Is…” does have a heart. Its themes are undeniably important, and there are moments—though fleeting—of genuine emotional resonance. The “MaPa” scene and SB19’s OST are clear highlights.
However, the film ultimately falls short of being the transformative Vice Ganda movie it aspired to be. The humor often misfires, the drama feels forced, and the emotional payoffs lack the impact they deserved.
For audiences seeking light entertainment and fleeting moments of emotional depth, “And the Breadwinner Is…” might still offer some enjoyment. But for those looking for a well-crafted narrative that truly delivers on its promises, this film might leave them wanting more.
Final Verdict: An ambitious but flawed attempt to blend humor and drama. It has its moments, but they are overshadowed by inconsistent storytelling and misplaced humor.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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