D ear And the Breadwinner Is…,
I have to say, when I first heard about you through the collaboration between Jun Robles Lana and Vice Ganda, produced by Star Cinema and The IdeaFirst Company, I was immediately intrigued. As a fan of Lana’s work since 2012 and with Vice Ganda at the helm, I couldn’t wait to see how you would unfold. Being part of the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) added an extra layer of excitement.
After watching, I can say you left me with much to think about. Your story of Bambi Salvador (Vice Ganda), an OFW returning home from Taiwan to a family rife with challenges, was both deeply relatable and emotionally charged. Supported by an ensemble cast including Eugene Domingo, Malou de Guzman, Gladys Reyes, Jhong Hilario, Maris Racal, and Kokoy de Santos, you brought to life the intricate dynamics of a Filipino family where one person shoulders the burden of being the breadwinner.
Lana’s direction stood out, particularly in that one-take scene where generational traumas unfolded with raw intensity. It was a masterfully staged moment, and perhaps a signature of Lana’s storytelling. Visually, Jaylo Conanan’s production design elevated the narrative. The details in every set choice captured the Salvador family’s state, immersing viewers in their world. Pairing this with Mapa by SB19 as your official soundtrack was a stroke of brilliance, encapsulating the bittersweet plight of breadwinners everywhere.
The concept of the breadwinner in Filipino families is complex. While I don’t believe one person should bear the full weight of providing for everyone, I appreciated your exploration of being a breadwinner in a Filipino household. You captured the sacrifices, love, and occasional frustrations that come with the responsibilty. However, I found some elements of your narrative uneven. While many compelling issues were raised, not all were fully resolved, and the pacing sometimes felt rushed. The choice to include the “bury your gays” trope, particularly with an LGBTQ+ breadwinner like Bambi, was disheartening. It felt like a missed opportunity to break away from a narrative that tragically sidelines gay characters. In 2024, I hoped for stories where LGBTQ+ characters—particularly those who hold their families together—are given a chance to live, not be buried.
That said, Bambi’s death is likely a symbolic farewell to Vice Ganda’s comedic image, reflecting an evolution into deeper, more complex artistry. This moment marks a poetic transition in both Bambi’s journey and Vice Ganda’s image. The meta-commentary on Vice Ganda’s career was a pleasant surprise—a tribute to past roles and a shift toward grounded storytelling, marking the end of an era. The final scene was beautifully executed, delivering a powerful and emotional conclusion to both arcs.
And the Breadwinner Is…, you are a thoughtful and entertaining film, balancing humor and drama while offering a distinct Filipino lens on universal themes of sacrifice and love. Your nominations at the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal (Awards Night), including Best Actor for Vice Ganda and Best Supporting Actor for Jhong Hilario and Kokoy de Santos, are well-deserved recognitions of your strengths. Vice Ganda’s Special Jury Citation further affirms the outstanding performance that truly carried the film. Winning the Best Gender-Sensitive Film award also underscores the relevance and importance of your story, even as I hope for more progress in the stories we tell.
You’ve left me excited about what this collaboration between Jun Robles Lana and Vice Ganda could bring next. But I can’t help but wonder: When will we see a gay character whose story doesn’t end in tragedy, especially when they’re the ones holding everything together?