Some films arrive in Malaysian cinemas with little fanfare, only to become the next hot thing thanks to word of mouth. One hopes this might be the case for the Thai family drama “How to Make Millions before Grandma Dies”.
The directorial debut of Pat Boonnitipat, it has enjoyed success in Thailand as well as in Indonesia since its premiere last month. Now that the film with the unwieldy name has reached Malaysian shores, will it be equally as popular?
Given its title, you could not be blamed for assuming it to be a comedy about family members tripping over one another over an inheritance. Surprisingly, however, “How to Make Millions” is a mature, slice-of-life narrative about a grandson who cares for his dying grandmother.
The film follows a young-adult slacker named M, played by Chinese Thai pop idol Billkin, who has little interest in doing anything of use in life. This changes when his grandmother, Amah (Usha Seamkhum), is diagnosed with late-stage cancer, leaving the question of inheritance in the air.
Eager to get a piece of the pie, he volunteers to look after her in her last days. Amah is no fool, though, and figures what he is up to rather quickly.
Yet, despite his intentions, M genuinely reconnects with his grandmother and begins to truly care about her, late as it is.
The plot may be simple but it reflects the reality of families in many Malaysian households, with complicated people and even more complicated problems. Given the growing senior population in Malaysia, the themes explored are likely to hit home more than ever.
The scenes where M gets involved in Amah’s day-to-day affairs will likely resonate with local audiences. Indeed, much of the movie’s warmth is derived from the realistic and familiar interactions between the lad and his grandmother.
They are both stubborn in their own way, with M preferring shortcuts and convenience and Amah liking things just as they are. In one early scene, Amah is aghast when M uses microwaved, instead of boiled, water for tea to be offered to the goddess Guanyin.
And while she is old, she is far from senile and is more than capable of calling M out when the situation calls for it. Here, actress Usha puts on a terrific performance, likely to remind any viewer of their own grandmother.
It is, as such, heart wrenching to see her health visibly decline as the movie progresses. You know what’s coming; it’s inevitable; yet even as the end approaches, she chooses to face it with as much dignity as she can.
Younger moviegoers, meanwhile, might see themselves in M, who struggles to understand just how old people think.
Despite the generation gap, the film shows how it is more than possible for generations to connect despite their differences, as both young and old look out for each other.
“How To Make Millions” reminds young people that even as they thrive in adulthood, it can still be rewarding to keep their elderly loved ones close and make their day. And grandparents, in turn, never stop loving their children and grandchildren, no matter their age.
The bottom line? This is an unexpectedly pleasant cinematic release from our northern neighbour. Go catch it while you can and see for yourself why it is touching so many people.
And if you are fine with crying your heart out, bring a box of tissues, and perhaps your elderly parents as well.
As of press time, ‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’ is screening in selected cinemas nationwide.