NR | 2h 5m | Comedy, Drama | 2024
Asian cinema, especially South Korean drama, is renowned for its heart-wrenching dramas that often leave viewers in tears (not that I’ve ever shed any … well … maybe a few). But who would have thought that one of the most emotional films of the year would come out of Thailand?
“How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies,” directed by Pat Boonnitipat and starring Putthipong Assaratanakul and Usha Seamkhum, is far more than its whimsical title suggests. It’s a powerful, emotionally charged experience that weaves a story of love, loss, and a quest for meaning in the face of mortality. At its core, the film celebrates family bonds. It’s also a heartfelt reminder of the importance of cherishing those we hold dear.
A Young Dreamer’s Unlikely Journey
The story centers on a young man known simply as M (Assaratanakul), who dreams of becoming a professional game caster (a sportscaster for video games). His life takes an unexpected turn when he learns that his beloved grandmother, Amah (Seamkhum), has been diagnosed with a terminal illness.Initially, M’s motivations seem purely centered around financial gain: He hopes to win Amah’s favor and inherit a fortune. Yet, as the plot gradually unfolds, it’s clear that his journey is about much more than money.
M isn’t going up against any ordinary grandmother; Amah is meticulous and not easily impressed, adding both humor and challenge to M’s efforts to win her affection. The film captures their complex relationship with an authenticity rarely seen in modern cinema, showcasing both the friction and affection that characterize many family bonds.
M’s initial reluctance and Amah’s unyielding standards create a dynamic that is both funny and relatable. Their interactions reveal the underlying strength of their relationship and forecast the transformative power of love and forgiveness that is to follow.
Tears and Laughter
The film doesn’t shy away from portraying the messy reality of human relationships. The story captures both the highs and lows with genuine sincerity, which offers a cathartic release that mirrors the characters’ shared grief and joy.The portrayal of grief in the film is both universal and deeply personal. It captures the unpredictability of mourning and the way memories can resurface in unexpected moments. This is particularly evident in scenes where M reflects on his relationship with Amah, drawing parallels to the viewer’s own experiences of loss and love.
Though it’s a Thai-language film, its themes of love, resilience, and the search for meaning are universally relatable, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. The film has garnered critical acclaim and achieved significant international success.
The film’s director, Pat Boonnitipat, who also co-wrote the script, is an up-and-coming filmmaker who has worked on several TV series for Thai film studio GDH 559 (a subsidiary of the parent company GMM Grammy).
He drew realistic performances from the film’s excellent cast supported by a touching score. The film is currently breaking box office records not only in Thailand, but throughout Southeast Asia. Boonnitipat has a bright future ahead of him.
“How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” strikes a deep chord with those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, particularly a grandparent. It’s a powerful reminder to cherish our loved ones while we have the chance and to recognize the irreplaceable value of family bonds and traditions.
After all, why sob for them when they’re gone, if we haven’t taken the time to appreciate them while they’re still here?
“How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” is a celebration of love, family, and the human condition, encouraging us all to laugh, cry, and find comfort in our shared experiences. For those ready to face raw and powerful emotions, this film is an absolute must-see. Just remember to bring a box of tissues—you’ll need them!
