“A tear-jerking parable that manages to be both hilarious and heartbreaking, this film is a triumph of the human spirit.”
Peter Debruge
Variety
Set against the backdrop of Bangkok's bustling streets, How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies introduces M, a university dropout drowning in debt and bad luck. His life takes a sharp turn when he learns his beloved grandmother, Amah, faces terminal cancer. Driven by financial desperation rather than pure altruism, M moves into her home with the calculated goal of securing a massive inheritance rumored to be waiting for him.
Director Pat Boonnitipat crafts a narrative that balances dark comedy with poignant drama. The film explores the complex dynamic between a scheming grandson and a sharp-witted matriarch who senses his motives but chooses grace over accusation. Produced by GDH 559 on a modest $1 million budget, the movie resonated globally, grossing over $73 million worldwide while challenging viewers to reconsider the true value of family bonds.
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M navigates the treacherous waters of family expectations while living under the same roof as his dying grandmother. The household is a pressure cooker filled with relatives like Kiang, Sew, and Soei, each vying for their share of the potential fortune. These characters represent different facets of greed and neglect, creating a web of tension that M must maneuver through daily. He performs the role of the devoted caregiver, hiding his transactional intentions behind a mask of affection while trying to position himself as the sole heir.
As weeks turn into days, the line between performance and reality begins to blur. M starts seeing Amah not just as a source of money, but as a woman filled with wisdom, stories, and a deep capacity for love. Their interactions shift from staged acts of kindness to genuine moments of vulnerability during shared meals and quiet conversations. The ticking clock of Amah's illness drives the narrative forward, forcing M to confront his own failures and lack of ambition.
The story intensifies as M struggles with his conscience. He finds himself torn between his desperate need for wealth and the growing bond he forms with the elderly woman. Every day brings new challenges, from managing her medical needs to fending off the scheming of other relatives who suspect his true agenda. The film builds towards a pivotal moment where M must decide whether to continue his path of manipulation or embrace the genuine connection he has found. It becomes a heartfelt exploration of how death can bring families together, revealing hidden depths in human relationships and asking what truly constitutes an inheritance.
Official International Trailer [Subtitled]
Critical Consensus
This heartwarming Thai drama masterfully balances dark humor with genuine emotion, delivering a universal story about family, greed, and redemption. While the premise is simple, the film's strength lies in its nuanced performances and its ability to explore the complexities of caregiving without becoming overly sentimental.
“A tear-jerking parable that manages to be both hilarious and heartbreaking, this film is a triumph of the human spirit.”
Peter Debruge
Variety
“This film is a love letter to the past, a reminder that the greatest inheritance isn't money, but the love we share with our families.”
Manohla Dargis
The New York Times
“A comforting, heartfelt drama that doesn't shy away from the hard truths of aging and death, yet leaves you with a smile on your face.”
Mark Kermode
The Guardian
Director
Pat Boonnitipat
Writers
Thodsapon Thiptinnakorn, Pat Boonnitipat
Composer
Jaithep Raroengjai
Cinematographer
Boonyanuch Kraithong
Producers
Jira Maligool, Vanridee Pongsittisak
Thailand National Film Association Awards (2024)
Best Picture: Won
Thailand National Film Association Awards (2024)
Best Director: Won
Asian Film Awards (2024)
Best Film: Nominated
Golden Horse Awards (2025)
Best Asian Film: Nominated
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