Daniel Nico Laudit, a content creator with a large following on TikTok, recently shared his emotional experience of watching the movie “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” in a theater in Manila. Despite not being someone who cries easily, he found himself wiping away tears in the bathroom after the movie, and continued to cry once he got back home. The film has become a runaway hit across Southeast Asia, with sold-out screenings in the Philippines, record-breaking box office numbers in Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand. The movie’s popularity stems from its powerful storytelling that resonates with audiences on a personal level.
The plot of the movie centers around an unemployed young man, M, who takes care of his grandmother after learning she has Stage 4 cancer, with the hope of inheriting her house. As M gets to know his Thai-Chinese family better, he discovers the complexities of their relationships, highlighting themes of family dynamics, filial piety, and gender biases. Director Pat Boonnitipat delves into the tensions that arise within a family facing the impending death of one elderly member, and the struggles faced by different family members in dealing with the situation. The character of the grandmother, played by Usha Seamkhum, resonates with viewers for her portrayal of a tough exterior concealing deep love and loneliness.
The emotional impact of the movie is evident in the reactions of viewers like Angeline Kartika from Jakarta and Joy Ni Ni Win from Mandalay, Myanmar, who were moved to tears by the film’s poignant storytelling. The movie’s exploration of familial relationships prompts viewers like Diana Setiawati to reflect on their own lives and relationships, leading them to make personal connections with the characters and story. Director Pat’s personal experiences with his own grandmother’s battle with cancer and his Cantonese family dynamics lend authenticity to the film and make it relatable to audiences across different cultures in Southeast Asia.
The success of “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” in Thailand, a market dominated by horror and comedy genres, is seen as an anomaly by director Pat. The movie’s ability to draw audiences in and evoke strong emotions has surprised industry professionals like Shirley Low from Golden Screen Cinemas in Kuala Lumpur. The film’s universal themes of family, love, and loss have struck a chord with viewers, prompting them to rethink their relationships and priorities in life. The movie has sparked conversations across the region, with viewers sharing their emotional reactions and personal reflections inspired by the film.
In countries like the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, and beyond, the movie has sparked a wave of emotional responses and introspection among viewers. Employees at movie theaters in Manila, for example, distributed tissues to moviegoers and were on hand during tear-jerker moments to offer more tissues. The film’s impact extends beyond the screen, as viewers like Ian Jeevan from Singapore are inspired to reconnect with their own grandmothers and express their love and appreciation for family members. As the movie continues to resonate with audiences and generate discussions, it highlights the power of storytelling to provoke deep emotions and personal reflections among viewers across different cultures and backgrounds in Southeast Asia.
