Growing up, some of the most cherished memories come from the times spent with our grandparents. Whether it be our grandmother’s cooking, our grandfather’s stories from “back in the day”, or those cosy afternoons spent learning traditional things from them.
The bond between grandchildren and their grandparents is truly something special for many of us, filled with warmth, wisdom and, of course, a bit of mischief, while creating moments we hold dear long into adulthood and after they’re gone.
Now that I’ve likely sparked a core memory for many of you, it’s clear where this article is headed.
A few weekends ago, I finally had the chance to spend time with my cousins after a long while apart. When they mentioned they were going to see How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies at the cinema, I eagerly decided to join them.
FAMILY TENSIONS
Lahn Mah, also known as How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, is a 2024 Thai drama directed and co-written by Pat Boonnitipat. The film stars Putthipong Assaratanakul (Billkin) as M, a college dropout turned livestreamer, and Usha Seamkhum (Taew) as his 79-year-old grandmother, Mengju, affectionately called Amah by M.
The plot centres on M moving in with Amah, who lives alone and (spoiler alert) is diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer. Of course he doesn’t do this out of the goodness of his own heart and love for his grandmother – M hopes to secure an inheritance after her passing.
Competing for her affection and potential inheritance are M’s two uncles, Kiang (played by Sanya Kunakorn) and Soei (played by Pongsatorn Jongwilas). Kiang is a high-driven, money-hungry individual, while Soei is a gambling addict, adding layers of familial tension and complexity to the story. Then there’s M’s single mother and Amah’s only daughter – Chew (played by Sarinrat Thomas), who’s just trying to genuinely show love for her mother.
FROM SNOOZING TO SOBBING
I’ll be honest with you – I walked into the cinema with zero expectations for the film. I had no clue about the genre or how the trailer presented it. I mean, let’s face it, who really watches trailers anymore unless they’re unavoidable before the start of a movie in a theatre? Coupled with the fact that I hadn’t been to the cinema since Barbie came out.
Initially, I thought it was going to be a comedy about everyone fighting for their grandma’s fortune. The movie began at a slow pace, and as I glanced to my right, I noticed my cousin dozing off at times – a habit she’s had since childhood whenever she finds something boring.
Then, I turned to my left. Fifteen minutes into the movie, my aunt was stifling sobs. I can’t quite remember the scene, and even if I did, I wouldn’t be able to describe it in full without spoiling the whole movie for everyone.
The movie actually turned out to be a pretty honest and moving portrayal of a family’s journey through the impending death of a beloved grandmother, diving deeply into the complex dynamics between siblings and the difficult choices parents have to make to ensure their children are taken care of long after they’ve passed away.
The story strikes a chord with its themes of loss and family responsibility, resonating deeply with anyone who has experienced similar challenges. Amidst the poignant moments, there are plenty of laughs, particularly in the playful interactions between the grandson and grandmother.
It reminds me of the close bond my cousins and I shared with our own late grandmother on my mother’s side.
The film resonated so deeply that tears were flowing freely, not just from others around me but from myself as well. As the credits began to roll, a wave of emotions swept over me, reflecting on the profound themes that touched on loss, family bonds and the passage of time.
Watching it alongside my cousins sparked heartfelt reminiscences of our own cherished moments with our late grandmother, making the experience both cathartic and deeply meaningful.
Prior to watching it,
I saw some friends posting about the film without any visible signs of being emotionally affected.
However, the impact varies based on personal connections and emotional readiness I suppose.
If you’re planning to watch the movie and have a strong bond with a grandparent, I highly recommend bringing a box of tissues. The emotional depth of the story resonated deeply with me, and I found myself tearing up throughout.
Admittedly, I’m known as the cry baby in my family, so my emotional response might differ from others’. – Izah Azahari
