SPOILER ALERT! THIS REVIEW DISCUSSES SCENES IN DETAIL.
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (2024) follows the emotionally complex journey of a family grappling with the impending loss of their matriarch, Amah (played by Usha Seamkhum), who is diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Her only grandson, M (Putthipong Assaratanakul), seizes the opportunity to become her caretaker, eyeing her house as his potential inheritance. M competes with his affluent uncle Kiang (Sanya Kunakorn) and his unemployed, gambler uncle Soei (Pongsatorn Jongwilas) for Amah's fortune. Meanwhile, Amah’s devoted daughter, Chew, has spent her life caring for her mother, taking on night shifts to support Amah’s chemotherapy treatments during the day.
The film delves into themes of loss, grief, and generational sacrifices but transcends the typical tear-jerker by exploring the deeper complexities of familial bonds and cultural inheritance. In traditional patriarchal Chinese culture, money and inheritance symbolize a parent's favor and blessings for their child's future success. However, in this narrative, Amah's intention to leave her fortune is not driven by favoritism but by a desire to secure her children's well-being.
Soei, often mistaken as Amah's favorite due to her financial support, disrupts the family dynamic with his gambling debts and constant trouble with loan sharks. Amah’s decision to leave her fortune to Soei stems from her sense of duty as a mother, aiming to alleviate the burdens that could plague her children after her passing.
Amid the inheritance struggle, Chew stands out as the genuine and devoted child, tirelessly caring for Amah without ulterior motives. As Amah’s health declines, she expresses her deep affection and gratitude to Chew for her unwavering presence and selflessness.
M, initially driven by a get-rich-quick mentality, rediscovers the meaningful connection he shared with Amah during his childhood. Through his time with her, M learns the value of hard work and dedication, contrasting his grandmother's lifetime of selling roadside congee with his own consumerist ambitions. His realization comes full circle when he discovers the sizeable life savings Amah has set aside for him, teaching him the true essence of wealth.
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies masterfully blends poignancy and humor, reminding us of the importance of genuine relationships and hard work. The film serves as a mirror, reflecting our own tendencies to prioritize superficial wealth over meaningful connections. It’s a must-watch that resonates deeply, encouraging viewers to cherish what truly matters.
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