How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies

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.

It has been a while since I cried watching a movie. It depicts the nuances of familial relationships and mortality that I could highly relate to, surprisingly. The development of M's relationship with his grandmother was done beautifully. I enjoyed the quiet moments, the moments where they shared laughter and grew closer. I enjoyed the acting and cinematography so much, as well as the background music that accompanied the scenes. The story was written in such a way that imparted the importance of loving and caring for one's parents and relatives without being pretentious. I really liked the ending and it was nice to see that the whole family visited Ah Ma's grave during Qing Ming.

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?

"Touching, Tear-Jerking, yet Not Quite Tearful

This film pulls at your heartstrings, evoking a sense of nostalgia and sentimentality for everyone in the family. It strives to maintain a feel-good atmosphere without delving too deeply into melodrama or stress. With a strong Japanese drama influence, the mood and tone set by the score give the film a charming and pleasant feel, not overly sad. While some attempts at comedic relief may feel a bit unnecessary, overall, it strikes a balance that prevents it from plunging into overwhelming sadness. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of scenes that will bring tears to your eyes.

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.