Refreshingly Heartwarming: A Review of 'How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies'

M follows his grandma to work, Image by IMDb

Stories of people being moved to tears are not uncommon with this film, and it has gained its deserving popularity in the nation despite being a relatively less advertised foreign film in the nation. Directed by Pat Boonnitipat, his debut film, ‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies,’ is a comedy-drama film aired in April of this year. With a heart-wrenchingly good storyline with the nuances of familial ties encapsulating the essence of the film, Pat Boonnitipat has brought to life a unique cinematic experience blending humour with tear-jerking moments.

The film is set in the point of view of a young adult slacking off in life, M, and his journey of tackling the weight of responsibility and expectations from his family while balancing his own personal objectives in life. Given the film’s title, one may assume the movie may be about a family fighting over an ailing grandma’s wealth, but in actuality, the movie is also an established, slice-of-life chronicle about a doting grandson looking after his dying grandmother who is diagnosed with a terminal illness.  

The grandson, who never did anything with his days or life, suddenly began to take care of his grandma upon hearing of her illness, and the grandma, Amah, figures out what her grandson is up to: inheritance. Yet, as late as it might have been, M changes to genuinely begin to take care of his grandmother after reconnecting with her. The character developments seen in the film are compelling in their progress and nuanced in their core. The comedic elements, instead of being too forward or pushy, are blended in just right, setting a tone of enjoyability despite the issues of life and family being the center of address.

The cinematography of the film is one to highlight: carefully crafted to set the mood and theme of certain parts of the story, one feels in tune with the characters, their emotions, and the highs and lows of sentiments, all due to the framing also being just right. While the plot of the film is seemingly simple, the reality of families in even Malaysian households is reflected, with complicated individuals and their even more complex issues. Overall, the story is set to move the hearts of audiences whether close or distant with their families.

The characters M and Amah, played by Chinese Thai pop idol Billkin and actress Usha Seamkhum, are stubborn in their own ways, with M liking simplicity and shortcuts in life, and Amah preferring things to stay as they are. And while old, the character, Amah is capable of calling out M when needed, proving herself to be far from senescent, invoking possible memories of the audience's own moments with their grandmother.

Despite, and even due to, the generational gap portrayed in the film, it is one that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies is a remarkably genial filmic delivery from Thailand. Go watch it if you still can and observe personally why it has been so touching for so many people. While you are at it, carry along a box of tissues and invite your elderly family members for a memorable trip to the movies.