‘And the Breadwinner Is...’ on Netflix: A must-watch Filipino film that will break and heal your heart

Dubai: I’ll admit it — I’m not really a fan of Filipino movies. I’ve seen too many of the same old formula: boy meets girl, third-party drama, messy breakup, and a cheesy reconciliation at the end. It’s predictable. It’s overdone. So when my friend told me she cried watching And the Breadwinner Is..., I honestly didn’t expect much.

But then she said, “It’s not like the others — it’s about us, about OFWs.”

That got my attention.

Streaming now on Netflix, this 2024 family dramedy by Jun Robles Lana stars Vice Ganda in a role like you’ve never seen before — raw, real, and deeply emotional. The film was part of the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival, and honestly? It deserves every bit of the hype.

After 15 years working as an OFW in Taiwan, Bambi Salvador (played by Vice Ganda) comes home to surprise her family — only to find heartbreak. Her mother no longer remembers her, her house is falling apart, and her hard-earned savings have vanished.

Things take a wild turn when she’s mistakenly declared dead — and her siblings suggest keeping up the lie to claim her life insurance. Crazy? Maybe. But for Bambi, family comes first. Even if it means attending her own wake.

Through tears, laughter, and painful truths, And the Breadwinner Is... becomes more than just a film — it becomes a mirror for every Filipino who’s ever carried their family’s hopes and dreams on their shoulders.

This line from Bambi hit me like a punch to the gut. “Sabi nila breadwinner ako... pero bakit talunan ako ngayon?”

Breadwinners don’t get to rest. They’re expected to be strong, selfless, and silent — and this movie finally puts their silent battles into the spotlight. From emotional confrontations to hilarious chaos (including being mistaken for a ghost at her own funeral), the film balances drama and comedy beautifully.

The confrontation scene with Vice Ganda, Eugene Domingo and Gladys Reyes? That alone made me cry. It felt too real — especially for OFWs like me and my friends who know the sacrifices behind every remittance sent home.

Vice Ganda’s performance is a revelation. No punchlines, no flamboyant gimmicks — just raw, honest acting that earned her the Special Jury Citation at the MMFF, Movie Actor of the Year at the Village Pipol Choice Awards, and Film Artist of the Year at the Platinum Stallion National Media Awards.

This film proves she’s more than a comedian — she’s an artist.

And the Breadwinner Is... doesn’t just entertain — it heals, confronts, and uplifts. It’s a tribute to those who sacrifice everything for family, often with nothing left for themselves.

As someone who usually doesn’t finish Filipino movies, I sat through all two hours — and didn’t even notice the time. That’s how powerful it was.

This movie has completely changed how I see Filipino cinema. It’s bold, funny, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful. If you’ve ever loved an OFW — or been one — this film will speak to you.

So yes, I’m eating my words. Filipino films can be powerful and meaningful.

And now, I’m officially on the hunt for more local movies on Netflix.
If you haven’t seen And the Breadwinner Is..., watch it. You might just cry, laugh, and love Filipino cinema again — like I did.