How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies

Fully aware coming in that it'll be a tearjerker still didn't prepare me for crying so badly that my glasses got foggy & my nose became stuffy.

How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (Lahn Mah) offers a simple slice of life story, but just like music, movies tend to be way way better when they resonate with the audience on a personal level. I guess this is why I cried so bad during my viewing in which I also brought my mom. Despite no longer having any grandparents, I still relate so much to the movie as there are so many things which feel like slaps to myself as I don't think I've been a very good son to my parents.

So I presume that those who see this movie will definitely enjoy it more if they could relate with the theme. Go see this movie with your elders, may them be parents or grandparents, hopefully it'll wake something within you.

How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies is easily one of the most hyped movies of May 2024, and let me tell you, it lives up to the buzz. I rarely give a perfect 10 to any movies, but this film is shaping up to be an exception.

The story's premise is straightforward, which could easily lead to a predictable and dull experience. However, this film demonstrates how simplicity, when executed flawlessly, can lead to perfection. It's refreshing to watch a story unfold naturally without relying on superfluos twists or turns. This allows viewers to fully engage with the characters and their journeys without feeling lost or, most importantly, bored.

One of the movie's greatest strengths is its relatability. Even though the story is fictional, the characters, particularly those within the Asian families, feel incredibly true to life. Their dynamics, conflicts, and expressions of love and frustration resonate deeply, especially for those familiar with the nuances of Asian households. The actors deserve immense credit for breathing life into these characters. Their performances, from the subtle facial expressions to the cadence of their everyday conversations, ground the film in a heartwarming authenticity.

The soundtrack also plays a crucial role in making How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies such a heartfelt experience. The music, while simple, is used masterfully. Carefully placed soundtracks underscore the emotional weight of key scenes, adding a layer of sadness without ever feeling overdone.

Overall, this film is shaping up to be a must-watch. It's a testament to the power of authentic storytelling, relatable characters, and a well-crafted soundtrack.

No matter how much you try to hold back the tears, it's likely that wall will crumble at the ending, set against the backdrop of a pickup truck delivering a farewell so beautifully. A question arises while watching that scene. Are the tears falling because the film is well-made, or simply because viewers (myself included) immediately relate the events on screen to personal memories?

The answer is "both." How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies feels relatable because it deeply understands family dynamics, especially in Asian families. How inheritance can erase affection, how gathering at grandma's house is a warm moment always anticipated, how the grandma eagerly awaits the arrival of her children and grandchildren while wearing her best clothes, and how the loneliness after togetherness feels so piercing, especially for the elderly living alone. The memories of all those moments together are the truly valuable legacy.

If you're keen on learning about different cultures, this film offers a fascinating glimpse into Thai traditions and is definitely worth watching.

I'm neither Thai nor Chinese, but I like this movie. You don't have to relate to the story to find this movie interesting, but if you enjoy learning about other cultures, you will likely appreciate it.

It presents a striking contrast between Asian and Western values. In many Asian cultures, there's an expectation for children to inherit from their parents, even if the parents aren't wealthy. In contrast, Western children often strive for independence and aren't as concerned about inheriting their parents' assets if their parents aren't rich.

The film also highlights how Asian cultures tend to prioritize caring for elderly parents over placing them in nursing homes, which is a common practice in the West. The storyline revolves around a grandchild's desire to claim their grandmother's inheritance, and the resolution is compelling as the grandchild ultimately learns that money isn't everything.

Unlike many Thai films that feature beautiful, often Westernized actors or plastic surgery-enhanced faces, this film presents actors who are authentically Thai, with natural performances. The settings are refreshingly unpolished, depicting messy homes and crowded spaces that add to the film's realism rather than the often overly artistic settings of other Asian films.

The film is a drama with a somewhat slow plot, so watching it on Netflix in installments might be more enjoyable to avoid boredom. Overall, it's a poignant exploration of cultural values and family dynamics, offering a genuine portrayal of Thai life.

I'm not Thai, but I watched this film in a Bangkok cinema with English subtitles.

I thought it was a comedy about everyone fighting for their grandma's fortune, but it ended up being an honest portrait of a family's journey through the death of a dying grandmother. Discovering differing dynamics of each sibling and the choices parents have to make to make sure their kids are well looked after long after their passing. The core subject is so relatable that it just awakens your heart and soul. There was no dry eye in the room, and I walked out, wanting to call my parents immediately. Could you bring a box of tissues when you see it?