When kindness becomes a burden: How ‘And the Breadwinner Is…’ explores tough family questions

Vice Ganda’s performance as Bambi is undoubtedly the heart of the film. Known for her larger-than-life comedic persona as a TV host, and having starred in highly comedic films such as Partners In Crime (2022), Fantastica (2018) and Praybeyt Benjamin (2011), Vice Ganda steps into a more nuanced role that shows her dramatic range. 

In a standout one-shot scene, Bambi delivers an emotional monologue about the isolation and exhaustion of being a breadwinner, laying bare the unspoken struggles of selfless OFWs who sacrifice their happiness and much of their personal lives for their loved ones.

“Kung huminto ako, sinong gagalaw? Kung nagpahinga ako, sinong kikilos? Wala namang kikilos, diba? Kasi wala naman akong backup. Wala akong backup kasi ako yung backup [If I stop, who will move? If I rest, who will act? No one will move, right? Because I don’t have backup. I don’t have backup because I am the backup.],” says Bambi, airing the challenges of how it’s like being second in line.

Bambi also braves the quiet battles of a member of the LGBTQ+ community, navigating deeply ingrained cultural biases of a conservative society. In many Filipino households nowadays, they are often cast as the “default breadwinners”, saddled with the unspoken assumption that because they’re not expected to build families of their own, they’re expected to shoulder familial responsibilities. For Bambi, this becomes yet another layer of sacrifice, as her selflessness and devotion to her family are met with exploitation rather than appreciation.

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For far too long, breadwinners have been burdened with negative perceptions, often painted as solitary figures shouldering the weight of the world alone. But that’s far from the full picture. In reality, many families thrive with multiple breadwinners, each stepping up when needed, pooling their resources and support to share the load. After all, the title of “breadwinner” doesn’t have to be a solo act—it can be a collaborative effort, where the strength of a family lies in its ability to back each other up.

The film also underscores how Bambi’s kindness and selflessness are repeatedly exploited by family members. They’ve come to view Bambi as an endless source of financial support, ignoring the emotional cost of such expectations. It’s a sobering commentary on the lack of reciprocity in many familial relationships and a call for viewers to reassess how they treat those who sacrifice the most.

Yet, while the dramedy tackles these compelling themes, its tonal inconsistencies prove to be a hurdle. Director Jun Lana, best known for his adeptness with intimate dramas, struggles to balance the weighty subject matter with moments of slapstick comedy. While the comedic scenes aim to lighten the film’s mood, they often feel out of sync with the gravity of the situation. The unearned twist near the end only compounds this imbalance, pulling focus away from the film’s more meaningful moments.

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The off-screen controversies involving cast members Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings further create an awkward layer of discomfort in their on-screen interactions, evident in the audience’s laughter during their supposedly flirty and sweet scenes.

Despite its flaws, the film is commendable for its ambition and heart. The film challenges traditional norms, celebrating a new kind of breadwinner who is unapologetically themselves while carrying the weight of their family’s dreams. It serves as both a tribute and a critique, honouring the sacrifices of OFWs while urging viewers to recognise the humanity of those who bear the brunt of familial responsibility. 

In the end, And the Breadwinner Is... leaves us pondering with an uncomfortable truth: kindness, while noble, can often feel like a burden. Being a breadwinner often means tallying up more losses than wins—missing out on countless dreams to fund someone else’s, trading your own happiness for the comfort of others.

It’s a thankless, messy job with no medals or applause, but it’s also a role rooted in love. And perhaps that’s the biggest twist of all: even when kindness feels like a burden, breadwinners carry it anyway because sometimes, love demands nothing less.

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