If there is one movie you should be watching in Malaysian theaters right now, let it be Pat Boonnitipat’s tear-jerking, heart-rending drama, How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies. Warmly received by film critics and general audiences alike, the film’s depiction of matronly love and the complexities of Southeast Asian family dynamics have struck a common chord across the region, as indicated by its rising blockbuster status.
But for those of you who have already had the privilege of sobbing your eyes out at a cinema hall, you may have more than just a few burning questions concerning the film. Where was How to Make Millions Before Grandma dies filmed? What does “Ahma” mean? Are there any movies similar to How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies? We answer your burning questions concerning this Thai hit film.
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies has captured the hearts of people around the world as it hits global cinemas, as well as their tear ducts. Yet beyond being a very sad and touching film, what is How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies really about? Who are the main actors? Who is the director? Why is the film blowing up on TikTok?
We have all your questions answered right here.
[Hero and featured image credit: How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies/IMDb]
How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies: A helpful guide to all your burning questions
What is How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies about? What are the themes of the movie?
The film centres around M, a gamer hoping to make it big. When his plans fail, he finds inspiration in Mui, his young cousin, who recently inherited a lot of money and property after taking care of her dying grandfather, or Agong. Looking to follow in Mui’s footsteps and make the same kind of fortune, M begins to take care of his grandmother, or Amah, who lives alone and was recently diagnosed with cancer.
The film deals mostly with themes of family, specifically Thai-Chinese family dynamics, as well as gender roles in Asian society. It also touches on life, loss, and death.
Who plays M in How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies?
Thai-Chinese actor and singer Putthipong Assaratanakul, or better known as Bilkin. He has a large number of fans from around the world since his industry debut in 2016. His other works include My Ambulance and I Told Sunset About You.
Who plays Mui in How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies?
Thai model and actor Tontawan Tantivejakul, better known as Tu. She first appeared in a music video with Bilkin. Her other works include F4 Thailand: Boys Over and 10 Years Ticket.
What does “Amah” mean?
In many cases, including in How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, “amah” refers to the paternal grandmother. But in various contexts, you can refer to any old lady as “amah.”
How did How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies blow up on TikTok? What is the trend about?
Moviegoers, especially Gen Z, shared their reactions to the movie, mainly of their faces being puffy from all the crying. The movie being a tear-jerker also makes others want to try watching it to see if it’s worth the hype.
@gscinemas The reaction says it all 🥹🥲❤️. Family is calling—bring your loved ones to see ‘How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’ at GSC this week! Get your tickets now. #HowToMakeMillionsBeforeGrandmaDies #Billkin #LAHNMAH #หลานม่า 🇹🇭
What food does Amah sell every morning?
Thai congee, or better known as jok. It’s a savoury porridge with jasmine rice, pork dumplings, and eggs. It is sometimes also topped with sliced ginger and coriander.
Where is the film set?
The area in How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies is called Talat Phlu, an adorable neighbourhood with rustic architecture and a huge street food scene.
What are the reactions to How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies?
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies achieved success both in cinemas and on social media, especially in Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. People expressed positive reactions, describing how the film will make you bawl your eyes out, and will make you want to call your grandparents afterwards.
Are there many Thai-Chinese living in Bangkok?
Yes. Historically, Bangkok has become a trading hub, as the Chao Phraya river cuts right down the middle of the city. Therefore, Chinese people have settled in Bangkok for generations.
Why is How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies so popular in Asian countries?
The subjects of family and intergenerational trauma hit home with the Asian community. A lot of us still try to balance caring for our families (especially the elderly members), but also dealing with childhood trauma as a result of various Asian cultural values.
What other films has Pat Boonnitipat directed?
Director Pat Boonnitipat is also famous for Bad Genius (2020) that achieved commercial success, as well as Diary of Tootsies (2016-), a queer comedy series that is popular in Thailand.
Are there other films that are similar to How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies?
Films such as Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) and Encanto (2021) also deal with intergenerational trauma and traditional Asian gender roles to an extent.
Is there Chinese in the film?
Not exactly Chinese, but there is Teochew — a distinct variation of Chinese but phonetically closer to Hokkien. It’s still used in the Chaoshan region of eastern Guangdong and many parts around the world, including some parts of Bangkok.
Can I actually millions before my grandma dies?
Yes, and we have a handy guide for it. No, it’s not an Amway registration link.
How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies premiered on April 1, 2024, and is now hitting cinemas worldwide. It is currently rated at 8.5/10 on IMDb, with 97% positive rating from Google users, and has made RM10 million in Malaysia alone as of June 11th, 2024. The film’s run time is 2 hours and 5 minutes. Lifestyle Asia rates this film an 8.5/10.
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Written by
Vichayuth Chantan
Digital Writer, Drinks and Dining
Writer by day, skinny legend by night, "Kook" Vichayuth works closely with Bangkok's F&B industry. His hobbies include bar-hopping, catching up with friends, and silently judging you from across the room.
