Daniel Nico Laudit, a content creator with 4.5 million followers on TikTok, decided to test his emotional resilience by watching the movie “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” at a theater in Manila. Despite claiming he does not cry easily, he ended up in tears during the movie and even continued crying when he got home. The film has become a sensation across Southeast Asia, with sold-out screenings in the Philippines, topping the box office in Singapore, and drawing millions of viewers in Indonesia and Thailand.
The movie’s plot revolves around an unemployed young man named M who volunteers to take care of his grandmother after she is diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. His initial motivation is to inherit her house, but as he lives with his family and gets to know them better, he begins to understand the complexities of their relationships. The film explores themes of family, impending death, and gender biases, with one memorable line stating that sons inherit the house while daughters inherit cancer. The grandmother, played by Usha Seamkhum, is a tough yet loving character who forms a strong bond with her grandson, portrayed by popular Thai actor Billkin.
Viewers have been moved by the emotional depth of the film, relating it to their own experiences with family and aging loved ones. Many have expressed how the movie made them reflect on their relationships and inspired them to spend more time with their family members. The director, Pat Boonnitipat, drew on his own upbringing and experiences with his grandmother to create a story that resonates with audiences across different cultures in the region.
Despite being an unusual hit in Thailand where horror and comedy movies typically dominate the box office, “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” has struck a chord with viewers by its heartfelt storytelling and relatable themes. The film will be screened at the New York Asian Film Festival in July, further expanding its reach and impact. Viewers in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Myanmar have praised the movie for its ability to evoke strong emotions and prompt important conversations about family and relationships.
In response to the overwhelming emotional reactions from audiences, movie theaters in various countries have provided tissues to viewers, anticipating the tears that the film might provoke. Many viewers have taken to social media platforms like TikTok to share their emotional responses to the movie, expressing gratitude for the reminder to cherish their loved ones while they are still alive. “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” has served as a powerful reminder for viewers to prioritize family relationships and appreciate the time they have with their grandparents and elders.
