There’s something undeniably gripping about Filipino families especially during the holidays— the complexities, the dynamics, and everything in between. Jun Robles Lana’s And the Breadwinner Is… from ABS-CBN Studios and The IdeaFirst Company whips up a hearty serving of that classic Filipino family recipe as part of the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) with a playful ridiculousness: faking your death to financially support your loved ones.
Here are our High Five reasons why you should make room for the tale of the Salvador family this holiday season.
Slice of Family Life: Real, Raw, Relatable
Still from ABS-CBN Studios and The IdeaFirst Company
From the clashing personalities to the silent struggles, the Salvadors are a family that we all know in real life. The relationships and tension between family members are all too familiar, and it’s as uncomfortable as much as it’s relatable. The charm of the film lies in its efforts to depict the Filipino family’s complexities in the eyes of an LGBTQIA+ sibling who wore the hat of both the parent and the eldest.
Delivered by a cast of acclaimed actors like Joel Torre, Malou De Guzman, Gladys Reyes, and Eugene Domingo with an ensemble of rising talents, the actors bring depth to the film’s emotional core, making every moment feel as true to Filipino families as it can get.
Vice Ganda’s Commendable Shift Toward Emotional Storytelling
Still from ABS-CBN Studios and The IdeaFirst Company
Vice Ganda is known for her side-splitting humor and slapstick entertainment flicks, but in And the Breadwinner Is…, she takes a leap outside her comfort zone. Playing an OFW breadwinner, Vice embraces the role with sincerity, offering both character depth and her iconic movie magic absurdity.
While the film is a constant push-and pull between the two extremes of strong melodrama and comedic relief, Vice’s unique brand of humor manages to tug at the heartstrings of the audience. Sure, the giggle segments may feel misplaced or uncalled for at times, but her admirable effort to step into a more grounded, emotionally resonant narrative deserves credit.
Fresh Cinematography with a Signature Touch
Still from ABS-CBN Studios and The IdeaFirst Company
Directed by Jun Robles Lana—the man behind Die Beautiful (2016) and Becky & Badette (2023)—the film is (surprisingly) more visually compelling than the standard MMFF fare. The thoughtfulness behind the mise en scène adds layers of meaning to the film.
The highlight? A climactic family argument that plays out in one continuous shot, capturing raw emotion with clever blocking and composition. Lana’s signature visual storytelling reaches its peak here, as this single take brings an honest intensity to the film— evoking a sense of unease, making you feel as though you’re unable to escape the unfolding tensions and family conflict, as if you’re right there with them.
Breadwinners, Sacrifices, and Awkward Questions
Still from ABS-CBN Studios and The IdeaFirst Company
The theme of breadwinners and family sacrifice is key in the story, paying a clear tribute to the unsung heroes who carry the weight of their family’s future on their shoulders. But this raises a big question: Is there a single right way to do what’s best for your loved ones?
While the heart of the film sometimes gets lost in the multiple family struggles it tries to portray (perhaps in an attempt to cover as many Filipino perspectives as they can), the story of the Salvador siblings—how they each shoulder different burdens—strikes a strong chord among a wide audience. Despite the unavoidable clichés, the tale of sacrifice kneads through the film’s imperfections, making it a thought-provoking piece about the complexities of providing for your family while trying to keep it all together.
The Universal Theme of Love
Still from ABS-CBN Studios and The IdeaFirst Company
At its core, And the Breadwinner Is… is the family movie selection for the Metro Manila Film Festival. Whether you see yourself as the breadwinner, the pressured middle child, or the anxious bunso, this film invites you to reflect on who you are while grappling with family trauma.
I personally wished that the film gave more time to dive into each family member’s story and struggle, but even with that untapped depth, the film still makes a powerful statement: that nobody should carry the burden alone—every member of the family can be a breadwinner in their own way.
The Verdict
Still from ABS-CBN Studios and The IdeaFirst Company
Despite a few stumbles, And The Breadwinner Is… still shines bright and warm, because just like any Filipino family, the film is flawed yet full of heart. It still delivers a fresh take on the familiar slice of life genre in Philippine cinema because it is sincere, heartfelt, and unapologetically loaded with emotion.
SEA Wave gives And The Breadwinner Is… 7 out of 10 waves.
What are your thoughts and rating on this MMFF selection? Share with us in the comments below!