An ugly cry is good for the soul andNetflixis about to add another tear-jerker to do the job.How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, the indie sensation that took film festivals by storm last year, will soon be available for streaming worldwide. With its near-perfect 98% Rotten Tomatoes score and a wave of emotional social media reactions, this sincere comedy-drama has established itself as one of themost talked-about films of 2024, becoming the second-highest-grossing Thai film last year and the 12th-highest ever.
The film follows the relationship between a struggling entrepreneur and his terminally ill grandmother, exploring themes of family, mortality, and the true meaning of wealth. As viewers reach for their tissues, they’ll laugh through tears at this unexpectedly moving examination of what we truly value at life’s end.
A Mysterious Final Wish in ‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Diesis a gorgeous Thai production under the creative vision of writer-director Pat Boonnitipat, reflecting Thai family dynamics and intergenerational relationships. The eye-catching cinematography captures both the urban landscape of Bangkok and rural settings, creating a culturally specific yet universally accessible viewing experience in more ways than one. Initially premiering at the Bangkok International Film Festival, it received overwhelming praise, establishing itself as a box office success before gaining international attention.
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Putthipong Assaratanakul (aka Billkin, who’s rather famous in Thailand) portrays M, a university dropout clinging to fading aspirations of striking it rich as a gaming streamer. However, reality paints a far less glamorous picture: he lives with his single mother, struggling to generate income from online gaming. Although he cares for his grandmother with stage four cancer, Amah (played by Tu Tontawan), his intentions aren’t honorable: he wants to inherit her house. Amah harbors an unusual lifelong ambition to be buried on a large plot of land after her death. But there’s an obstacle, as the large burial plot commands a hefty price tag. Initially, the true significance of this goal remains veiled.
How the World Fell in Love With This Thai Film
With an impressive 98% Rotten Tomatoes score, critics admire the balance of humor and heartbreak. They rave about Billkin’s performance as M, with his frustrations and eventual growth, and Tu Tontawan’s portrayal of Amah, playing the complex role with dignity and wisdom.The Hollywood Reporterstated, “Strong ensemble acting makes the family a believable unit, their differences notwithstanding. But it’s the evolving rapport between M and Amah that makes the film so captivating.”
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On social media, the film caused a viral phenomenon as viewers shared tearful reactions.The New York Timesprofiled the film with an article titled, “Why Southeast Asia Is Crying Over This Movie.” TikTok users produced emotional tribute videos, while others started sharing stories of their own grandparents, starting a ripple of family reconnections inspired by the film’s message.The BBC shareda TikTok post from user Ianjeevan: “Running over to hug my grandma now! Exceptionally touching film… This movie hit even harder because it reminded me of my own relationship with my grandma.”
An End-of-Life Journey with Many Elements
More than a traditional tear-inducing tale,How to Make Millions Before Grandma Diesoffers a view of something emotionally authentic compared to the melodrama and artifice of other tear-jerkers in contemporary cinema. Director Boonnitipat’s debut theatrical release captures a rare intimacy between M and Amah that remains in the mind long after the film ends. The connection may be attributed to Boonnitipat creating space before production for the actors to workshop and just exist together in their shared experiences.
Alongside its portrayal of family dynamics, the film addresses economic hardships — financial struggles that compel individuals to take drastic measures — reminiscent ofBong Joon-ho’s 2019 masterpiece,Parasite. Factors including cultural expectations, personal ambitions, and the forgiving nature of love illustrate a complicated relationship that both connects and constrains generations. Without revealing too much about the ending, the climax delivers a revelation regarding Amah’s burial wishes that recontextualizes everything, bringing a breathtaking moment of clarity (and a river of tears).
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According toDeadline, outside of Thailand,How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dieshas become the most successful Thai film of all time in Singapore and Malaysia. In Indonesia, it surpassedthe Korean horror filmExhumaearning the title of the most successful Asian film in the country.
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