Four Sisters and a Wedding: A Movie Analysis
Introduction
The Filipino film Four Sisters and a Wedding (2013), directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, presents a
compelling narrative of family dynamics, individual struggles, and personal growth. This academic
review critically examines the film's themes, character development, and psychological undertones while
adhering to academic review conventions. The analysis will explore the film's narrative structure,
cinematography, and social significance, considering psychological and sociological frameworks that
shape the characters’ relationships and conflicts.
Summary of the Film
The film follows the Salazar siblings—Teddie, Bobbie, Alex, Gabbie, and CJ—as they navigate family
tensions and personal struggles triggered by CJ’s sudden engagement. Each sister, shaped by their birth
order and upbringing, confronts unresolved conflicts as they attempt to dissuade their youngest brother
from rushing into marriage. As tensions rise, the family must address past grievances and rediscover the
meaning of unity and forgiveness.
CHARACTER ANALYSIS
1.​ TEDDIE (eldest sister)
As the eldest, naturally takes on the role of the second parent in the family. She feels responsible
for her younger siblings and always wants to set a good example. Her behavior is shaped by the
expectations placed upon her—she strives to be successful, sometimes to the point of hiding her
struggles just to maintain the image of being the “strongest” sibling. As an overachiever, she has
an intense need to prove herself, which is why she initially kept her real job in Spain a secret.
The parenting style used for her is Authoritarian. Teddie was raised with strict rules and high
expectations. As the eldest, she was expected to be responsible and mature from a young age,
which made her feel like she had no choice but to excel.
Deep down, struggles with insecurity and the fear of disappointing her family. She placed so
much pressure on herself to succeed that she hid the truth about working as a housekeeper. She
also harbors guilt for leaving home to work abroad, feeling like she abandoned her family.
Despite her struggles, is selfless and family-oriented. She believes in hard work, perseverance,
and sacrifice. She may have flaws, but her love for her family is undeniable.
2. BOBBIE (second sister)
Bobbie is the classic middle child—the independent and career-driven one who often feels like
she’s overlooked. She is highly intelligent, accomplished, and strong-willed, but beneath her
composed exterior, she carries deep-seated resentment. She has always felt like she had to
compete for attention, especially against, which shaped her independent nature.
The parenting style used for Bobbie is Neglectful/dismissive. While she wasn’t outright ignored,
she felt that she was never the priority. She resents the favoritism she perceives from their mother,
feeling like she was always left to fend for herself.
Bobbie’s biggest issue is unresolved resentment. She harbors anger toward, believing that their
mother always put the eldest on a pedestal while she had to fight to be recognized. She also
struggles with emotional vulnerability—because she had to rely on herself for so long, she finds it
difficult to open up and express her feelings.
Bobbie values independence, intelligence, and self-respect. Despite her struggles with her family,
she deeply cares about them and, in her own way, seeks their approval.
3. ALEX (third sister)
As the third child, Alex embodies the rebellious, free-spirited middle child. She is the most
artistic and unconventional among the siblings. Unlike Teddie and Bobbie, who are both highly
career-oriented, Alex follows her own path. She's passionate about filmmaking and doesn’t
conform to traditional expectations, which sometimes causes friction between her and her family.
Permissive is the parenting style used for her. Alex was likely given more freedom than her older
sisters, which allowed her to explore her creativity but also made her more impulsive in
decision-making. While she wasn’t as pressured as Teddie or as neglected as Bobbie, she still
struggled with being taken seriously.
Alex's biggest struggle is self-doubt, particularly in her romantic relationships. She has a pattern
of making impulsive decisions, especially in love, which sometimes leads to toxic situations. She
also has a strained relationship with Bobbie due to their clashing personalities.
Authenticity and passion—Alex values her freedom and artistic expression above all else. While
she may not always make the best choices, she stands by them and believes in staying true to
herself.
4. GABBIE (fourth sister)
As the youngest daughter, Gabbie plays the role of the peacemaker in the family. She is the most
grounded among the sisters and often serves as the voice of reason during conflicts. Because she
was never caught in the same level of rivalry as her older sisters, she developed a more balanced
personality.
Authoritative is the parenting style she likely experienced. Gabbie had a more stable upbringing
compared to her sisters—her parents were neither too strict nor too lenient with her. This allowed
her to grow into a responsible yet nurturing person.
While Gabbie appears well-adjusted, she sometimes struggles with feeling overshadowed. Since
she was never the “problematic” sibling, she wasn’t always the center of attention. She is also so
used to being the responsible one that she has difficulty prioritizing herself.
Gabbie values patience, kindness, and responsibility. She is the most selfless among the sisters,
always putting the needs of her family first.
5. CJ (youngest sibling, only son, & the groom-to-be)
As the youngest in the family and the only son, CJ grew up being protected and pampered by his
older sisters. He is sheltered, and his decisions are often influenced by his family rather than his
own independent judgment.
Permissive is the parenting style CJ received. Compared to his older sisters, CJ had a much more
relaxed upbringing. Since he was the youngest, he wasn’t burdened with the same level of
responsibility and expectations as the others.
CJ’s biggest struggle is his lack of independence. His older sisters, especially Bobbie, tend to be
overbearing, making it difficult for him to stand up for himself. His decision to get married is one
of the first major choices he makes on his own, and he struggles to assert it against his sisters’
objections.
CJ values love, commitment, and family. While he may seem unsure of himself at times, he
genuinely cares about the people around him and is willing to fight for his happiness.
CONCLUSION
Four Sisters and a Wedding effectively portrays the impact of birth order, parenting, and personal
struggles on individual development. Through a psychological and sociological lens, the film explores
themes of identity, sibling rivalry, and the importance of communication. Its ability to balance humor with
heartfelt drama makes it a poignant representation of Filipino family dynamics. The film ultimately
reinforces the importance of forgiveness, understanding, and unconditional love within a family unit.