Movie Review: How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (2024)
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Director & Screenwriter: Pat Boonnitipat
The good thing about streaming platforms is that they can bring content from any corner of the world to the viewers based on content consuming patterns. Which is what brought this film into my recommendations. My first of its kind Thai movie.
Although the plot revolves around neglect of the elderly, a common trope for an Indian audience, it comes with its uniqueness paired with fresh storytelling and good direction. Today, we are talking about the film How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies -a relatable tearjerker. It tugs at your heartstrings and the next moment, you are laughing at its dry humour.
Themes
This slice of life movie touches upon filial and household themes like sacrifice for family, sibling rivalry, efforts in relationship, patriarchy and its effects on generations, neglect of the elderly, and generation gap among others.
The plot is primarily focused on neglect and differences in priorities due to generation gap. However, it beautifully portrays how each of the themes explored are intertwined. They all combine and manifest in different forms to amplify the neglect that the old aged is subjected to. The aged just like children seek and require company and care. The youngsters, however, are either unaware or are unable to provide it due to other priorities.
Meanwhile, the duty or expectations of care for the elderly are often placed with the daughters. It has been exhibited in the movie throughout two different generations, although a little more relatable to some cultures than others. The parallels of Amah and her daughter's acts of unconditional love and sacrifices towards their respective parents show the poignance of women and their relationship with their parents throughout generations. It reflects on how even after feeling abandoned by parents, the longing for that love never really stops even far into old age.
Plot Overview
This is the story of M (played by Putthipong Assaratanakul), who tries to win over his terminally ill grandmother's trust and become her 'number 1' in hopes of inheriting her house. Some of his antics feel immoral even for an immature youngster. It depicts instances of neglect and re-discovery of familial ties which are often taken for granted. The themes hit home to many in our generation. The growth in the relationship between the protagonists, M and Amah (played by Usha Seamkhum), is predictable yet heart-tugging. What makes it special is the visible conflict within M and the nuanced acts of love from Amah towards all her children and grandchildren.
M is a self-absorbed and careless young dropout who streams games online and wishes to make a living out of it. He is disconnected from traditions and views relationships as transactional in nature. As the plot unfolds, so does his empathetic nature as a result of learning from each bond he shares within the family.
Amah seems like a tough nut to crack beyond her strict persona. However, her gradual appreciation of M's efforts, the understanding she has of, and the way she expresses her care for each of her relatives, makes her feel flawed and real. Amah's character is as grey as that of M and most of the other characters. Her love for her children is unequal and laced with favouritism caused likely by patriarchy. However, throughout her eye-opening experiences in the last days of life, the inheritance is justified.
This is Seamkhum's first film. She managed to nail the role. Her dialogue delivery as well as expressions - especially the scenes where she cried in pain, longing to be with her parents - moved me.
The character development of M is awe inspiring. He effectively managed to address his emotions and his guilt of betraying his grandmother. From not understanding his mother's sacrifices for his grandmother to giving away his possessions for his family, he came a long way. What makes it bittersweet is that the grandmother never finds out about it. However, I am, as a viewer, glad that he could process his emotions and confront Amah and still come back to her with pure love during her last days.
The direction of the movie sets it apart from so many others of the same genre and plot. No one is portrayed as a hero. The spectator gets to experience a journey, a development in the film. A journey that a big chunk of the population may relate to or at least wish to experience -being understanding to our loved ones. It is definitely a movie that can be enjoyed with family. Who knows, a few can reflect and make up to the lost time with their loved ones.
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