How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies Movie Review: This Heartfelt Drama That Defines Family, Love and Loss Is Going To Tug You Too Deep

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While going through my usual routine and deciding what to watch next I stumbled upon a movie How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies. The title of this Thai film seemed to be somewhat interesting yet straightforward too. A grandson wants to make money before his grandmother dies but the way the story presents itself  and makes you feel emotions like never before is what director Pat Boonnitipat has been successful in achieving. With winning hearts in several parts of Asia and being the biggest hit of Thailand this year it finally made its debut on Netflix.

The film starts with Grandma Menju (Usa Semkhum) along with her three children Kiang (Sanya Kunakorn), Soei (Pongsatorn Jongwilas), and Sew (Sarinrat Thomas) and her grandson M (Billkin) visit their ancestral tomb to pray their respects during a festival. During this visit grandma Menju expresses her wish to be buried on a large plot near her ancestors. Soon after she is diagnosed with stage 4 cancer but the family decides to keep it from her. Encouraged by his cousin Mui (Tontawan Tantivejakul) who has inherited her grandfather's house as a reward for nursing him, M a video game streamer decides to move in with Menju to take care of her. 

Initially there is a friction between Menju and M but soon she began to accept and enjoy the company of her grandson M. Even though at one point she understands that he too is with her for some reward but still decides to overlook it. The thought of inheriting the property of their mother's both Kiang who wants Menju to live with him and the other son Soei who visits his mother often to cover his gambling debts. Sew M's mother is only one who works hard to get her mother's approval in this matriarchal society. With no ulterior motive she is the only one child who takes care of her mother and wants her to overcome cancer as soon as possible. Despite all this when Menju decides to give her house to Soei M feels devastated.

This slow paced film that offers a portrayal of a family where both love and greed coexist beautifully. All the characters and the conversations between each members of the family seems to be real. Menju is not like any other grandma you find often in stories. She is both selfish, reliant and loving all at once. Selling congee at market and doing all her work on her own one can see her dignity and her ability to deal with any situation. As the story delves deeper you can find how deep is her love for her kids. There are also few sequences in the movie where humour is infused for instance the scene where you see M heating the water in a microwave for the tea to be offered to God. Displacing the idol to fit a camera to understand the moments of his grandmother gives a moment to laugh. 

Usa Semkhum is captivating as Menju by portraying a range of emotions from being self centered to finally displaying all her quirks. Even if the movie is about Menju the other performance that stood out is the character of M played by Putthipong Assaratanakul who is widely known as Billkin. His bond with his grandmother is the highlight of this story. Sew played by Sarinrat Thomas brings out a depth and vulnerability in her character. Her interactions with Menju brings out raw emotions blending with some moments of joy while her relation with M displays sincerity and her love towards him. 

On the whole How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies directed by Pat Boonnitipat is a film that displays a sense of maturity and is heartfelt. With a beautiful score and serene cinematography this film is even more heartfelt after the lead's death making it more unforgettable. To have a experience of bliss and emotions that never felt before catch this movie streaming on Netflix.