MMFF review: Jun Lana brings out the best in Vice Ganda in 'And the Breadwinner Is' | ABS-CBN
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MMFF review: Jun Lana brings out the best in Vice Ganda in 'And the Breadwinner Is'
MMFF review: Jun Lana brings out the best in Vice Ganda in 'And the Breadwinner Is'
Josh Mercado
Published Dec 27, 2024 11:00 AM PHT

Vice Ganda in a scene from 'And The Breadwinner Is'

Vice Ganda's comedy style has always been centered on his stand-up roots, where he discusses topics that are important to him in a funny and colorful manner that most people enjoy.
Vice Ganda's comedy style has always been centered on his stand-up roots, where he discusses topics that are important to him in a funny and colorful manner that most people enjoy.
His films "Petrang Kabayo," "Praybeyt Benjamin," "Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy," and "The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin" earned him the title "Unkabogable Box Office Superstar." In addition to movies, Vice advocates for the gay community. All of this makes him a cultural icon.
His films "Petrang Kabayo," "Praybeyt Benjamin," "Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy," and "The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin" earned him the title "Unkabogable Box Office Superstar." In addition to movies, Vice advocates for the gay community. All of this makes him a cultural icon.
But how would a big star like Vice, who is used to doing easy-to-watch comic flicks, execute a character that is new to him?
But how would a big star like Vice, who is used to doing easy-to-watch comic flicks, execute a character that is new to him?
For his comeback to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), Vice took a fresh approach, this time collaborating with globally recognized director Jun Lana, whose "art" differs significantly from Vice's.
For his comeback to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), Vice took a fresh approach, this time collaborating with globally recognized director Jun Lana, whose "art" differs significantly from Vice's.
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In “And The Breadwinner Is,” Vice plays Bambi, a devoted breadwinner who becomes involved in a case of mistaken identity that could solve her family's financial problems.
In “And The Breadwinner Is,” Vice plays Bambi, a devoted breadwinner who becomes involved in a case of mistaken identity that could solve her family's financial problems.
While preserving his trademark comedy in the first half of the film, Vice's portrayal has sincerity and depth, and it's encouraging to see Vice break free from convention. What Vice brings to the table is his ability to show off his various sides.
While preserving his trademark comedy in the first half of the film, Vice's portrayal has sincerity and depth, and it's encouraging to see Vice break free from convention. What Vice brings to the table is his ability to show off his various sides.
It helps that Vice co-stars in the Star Cinema movie allow him to excel in an arena that’s new to him. MC Muah and Lassy Marquez provide laughs, while Gladys Reyes, Jhong Hilario, Malou de Guzman, and Eugene Domingo bring depth to the film's emotional parts.
It helps that Vice co-stars in the Star Cinema movie allow him to excel in an arena that’s new to him. MC Muah and Lassy Marquez provide laughs, while Gladys Reyes, Jhong Hilario, Malou de Guzman, and Eugene Domingo bring depth to the film's emotional parts.
In a particular scene in the film, the stars align to highlight Vice's artistry. The filmmaker brings out the best in him at that scene. He is outstanding, exuding intensity that transcends personal pain. He portrays the anguish of everyone who has ever had to be the sole breadwinner, and he does a fantastic job.
In a particular scene in the film, the stars align to highlight Vice's artistry. The filmmaker brings out the best in him at that scene. He is outstanding, exuding intensity that transcends personal pain. He portrays the anguish of everyone who has ever had to be the sole breadwinner, and he does a fantastic job.
Vice easily captures the attention of viewers, and the story itself touches Filipinos who, at some point in their lives, experienced being a breadwinner — exhausted, pressured, and broken, ensuring that there is food on the table.
Vice easily captures the attention of viewers, and the story itself touches Filipinos who, at some point in their lives, experienced being a breadwinner — exhausted, pressured, and broken, ensuring that there is food on the table.
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While there have been previous requests for Vice to branch out beyond comedy, now is the time to do it, as the MMFF celebrates its 50th year. This is Vice's evolution.
While there have been previous requests for Vice to branch out beyond comedy, now is the time to do it, as the MMFF celebrates its 50th year. This is Vice's evolution.
Like Bambi, Vice faces constant pressure and criticism, which is fine. What Vice demonstrates in the film is something he should be proud of in his career, due to his director, who captures Vice in his most genuine role, and to Star Cinema, which has mastered the art of creating family films.
Like Bambi, Vice faces constant pressure and criticism, which is fine. What Vice demonstrates in the film is something he should be proud of in his career, due to his director, who captures Vice in his most genuine role, and to Star Cinema, which has mastered the art of creating family films.
Vice wins the hearts of viewers. And the real winners here are the breadwinners who fight their battles silently, who are tired but remain strong, who put others ahead of themselves, who sacrifice for the family, who leave home only to provide for their families, who never complain, who fall, and hopefully rise after watching this film.
Vice wins the hearts of viewers. And the real winners here are the breadwinners who fight their battles silently, who are tired but remain strong, who put others ahead of themselves, who sacrifice for the family, who leave home only to provide for their families, who never complain, who fall, and hopefully rise after watching this film.
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