Caring grandma for cash?

By Herman M. Lagon 

Given the chance to inherit a fortune, what would you do? “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” is a Thai drama that has gained popularity throughout Southeast Asia and is currently the highest-rated film on Netflix in the Philippines. The question remains throughout the film. The masterpiece, co-written by Thodsapon Thiptinnakorn and directed by Pat Boonnitipat, tackles family dynamics, generational conflict, and the awkward realities of caregiving with a distinctive blend of humor and heartbreak. It centers on M (Putthipong “Billkin” Assaratanakul), a hapless college dropout who moves in with his dying grandmother Amah (Usha Seamkhum) with the intention of inheriting her home rather than out of love. However, what starts out as a plan quickly transforms into something much more profound.

The movie’s success is not by chance. “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” is a complex examination of family, responsibility, and the importance of human connections, despite its initial appearance as a straightforward tale of greed. The main character, M, is by no means heroic. He sees providing care as a transactional act, something that must be endured in return for financial gain. His primary motivations are self-serving, and the movie doesn’t hold back in characterizing him as sluggish, opportunistic, and self-serving. However, precisely, this weakness lends M’s story such relatability. Audiences who have ever had to balance self-interest and familial responsibilities will be able to relate to M’s predicament because we live in a society where material security is frequently valued more highly than personal fulfillment.

The way senior care is portrayed in the movie is incredibly perceptive and refreshingly honest. M’s grandmother, Amah, is not the stereotypical devoted, defenseless old lady that you see in movies. Instead, she is wise, self-reliant, and occasionally challenging to win over. Her persona captures the truth of growing older: people are active, self-sufficient individuals with needs, preferences, and stubbornness rather than passive recipients of care. The relationship between M and Amah gains depth from this complexity, which creates tension and comedy as M tries to live up to Amah’s high standards while also making plans to profit from her eventual death.

“How to Make Millions…” is unique among family dramas because it carefully balances emotional depth and humor. The movie stays away from melodrama at all, choosing to tackle its subject matter in a humorous yet moving way. There are many funny moments in M and Amah’s interactions, which frequently stem from M’s incapacity to be a caregiver. The comedic contrast to the more somber themes of aging and mortality is provided by scenes in which he awkwardly tries to take care of his grandmother, selling congee daily or giving her a sponge bath. Beneath the laughter, though, is a thoughtful analysis of the costs, frustrations, and pleasant surprises associated with caring for an aging loved one.

The movie is very relevant to Filipino viewers. The themes of inheritance and caring are especially pertinent in a country where family duty is highly valued, to some as an act of pure love, for others, sadly, as an act of unbridled obligation. Similar to M’s family, Filipino families frequently struggle to manage the emotional and financial complexities that accompany caring for elderly relatives. Many family members—especially those who work from home or are unemployed—are expected to take on the role of primary caregivers, as evidenced by regional articles and studies on Filipino caregiving culture. “How to Make Millions…” is a movie that speaks directly to the experiences and values of the local audience because it mirrors this reality.

The film’s message, though, cuts across cultural divides. It provides a universal commentary on the perils of confusing material gain with the love of one’s family. M sets out to gain his grandmother’s favor and inherit her wealth, but as the narrative goes on, it becomes clear that this is an unproductive endeavor. The movie gently pokes fun at the idea that having money can make up for years of emotional neglect or that it can bridge the gap left by strained family ties. As M gets more involved in his grandmother’s life, he starts to understand that the emotional bond formed through deeds of kindness, tolerance, and empathy is the real benefit of providing care—rather than money.

Pat Boonnitipat, the director, and Thodsapon Thiptinnakorn, the co-writer, handle these subjects deftly, ensuring the movie is clear of being didactic or preachy. Instead, they let the narrative develop organically, giving viewers time to consider their motivations and relationships. The film’s observational approach, which focuses on capturing the fleeting, private moments between M and Amah, heightens the emotional impact by giving the viewer the impression that they are seeing a young man gradually come to appreciate the true meaning of family.

M starts to view his grandmother as a person with her past, present, and future as he gets to know the rhythms of her life rather than as a tool. The movie’s central theme is this gradual but significant change in his viewpoint. It serves as a reminder to viewers that, despite its demands, providing care can also be a chance for emotional and personal development.

The popularity of “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” is evidence of its cultural resonance, as it has captured viewers’ attention throughout Southeast Asia. It has generated discussions about the difficulties of family, inheritance, and the morality of providing care, and it is currently the most popular movie on Netflix. The film stands out in the area for its ability to combine humor with profound emotional themes, and its universal appeal guarantees that it will find viewers outside of its Southeast Asian origins.

Ultimately, “How to Make Millions…” leaves viewers with the poignant realization that our relationships and love are more valuable inheritances than wealth. M’s transformation from a self-serving opportunist to a kind caregiver serves as a reminder that genuine wealth is found in the relationships we cultivate rather than in material belongings. The last moments of the movie, in which M accepts that his grandmother is going to die, are both tragic and inspirational. Ultimately, the film’s message is crystal clear: the real treasures in life are love, caring, and connection—things that can never be purchased, sold, or inherited.

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Doc H fondly describes himself as a ”student of and for life” who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.