Jake Yancey is a product of NYU Tisch and is passionate about engaging in substantial conversation and enriching, multi-faceted dialogue in politics, tv production, and culture. Jake is excited to work at The Hollywood Insider because he believes that Film and Journalism are humanity’s first line of defense against the chaos of an uninformed public sector and so spends his time scouting for relevant stories everywhere. Jake, driven by a strong work ethic and love for people, plans on eventually working at the studios to help develop the stories which have had such a lasting impact on him.
Sep 26, 2024
Table of Contents
‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’ (2024), directed by Pat Boonnitipat, is more than just an emotional rollercoaster—it’s a deeply resonant exploration of generational divides and the human experiences that bind us. On the surface, it’s a story about a young man trying to secure his financial future by competing for his grandmother’s inheritance. But beneath the humor and quirkiness, it reveals a rich tapestry of cultural nuances, examining the relationship between the tech-savvy, ambitious Gen Z and the tradition-bound Baby Boomer generation. The film’s universal themes of family, culture, and aging resonate globally, with particular poignance for viewers grappling with the delicate balance between modernity and tradition.
The story follows M (Putthipong “Billkin” Assaratanakul), a young man navigating the pressures of modern life. With mounting student loans and a competitive job market, M sees a chance to secure his financial future when he learns that his grandmother, Amah (Usha Seamkhum), has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Alongside his extended family—including his financially well-off uncles and his less-favored mother—M scrambles to curry favor with Amah, each hoping to inherit a significant portion of her wealth. As the family’s plans play out, the film evolves into a heartwarming tale about more than just money: it’s about rediscovering familial love, respect, and the realization that life’s true riches come from relationships, not wealth.
At its core, ‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’ is deeply rooted in the Thai-Chinese cultural experience. This dual heritage is intricately woven into the film, with characters frequently switching between Thai and Thai-Chinese, symbolizing their cultural identity and the tension between modernity and tradition. Boonnitipat uses this backdrop to address a broader cultural issue: the slow fading of traditional languages and customs among younger generations. The fact that M’s cousin is the only young family member who speaks Thai-Chinese reflects this erosion of cultural ties.
In many ways, the film acts as a microcosm of contemporary Thai-Chinese families, where the older generation upholds rituals and values passed down over centuries, while the younger generation is pulled towards globalized, Western ideals. For example, scenes featuring family gatherings during traditional holidays like Lunar New Year and Tomb Sweeping Day provide a stark contrast to M’s fast-paced, technology-driven lifestyle. This contrast highlights not just the cultural gap, but also the emotional and psychological distance between generations.
The film’s depiction of gender roles within the family is another important cultural touchstone. Amah’s sons are shown to receive preferential treatment, while her daughter, Chew, occupies a lesser role. This inequality is a subtle but powerful commentary on the traditional patriarchal structures that persist in Thai-Chinese society. For many Southeast Asian viewers, this portrayal is both familiar and eye-opening, forcing them to confront deep-seated familial hierarchies.
Generational Divide: The Friendship Between Gen Z and Baby Boomers
A significant theme that runs through ‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’ is the exploration of the generational divide, particularly the relationship between Gen Z and Baby Boomers. At first, M sees his grandmother as merely a potential source of financial security, but over time, he begins to appreciate the wisdom and life experience she represents. This evolving relationship is emblematic of a broader shift occurring globally, where young people are starting to reconnect with the values and stories of their elders, despite the technological and cultural differences that separate them.
The film cleverly uses humor to explore these differences. One particularly memorable scene shows M attempting to teach Amah how to use an iPad, only for her to stubbornly refuse, insisting that she prefers her old-fashioned methods. These moments of friction—where technology meets tradition—are handled with a light touch, reflecting real-life experiences shared by many viewers. For Gen Z, raised in the digital age, it’s easy to view the older generation as out of touch, while Baby Boomers often see the younger generation as overly reliant on technology.
However, ‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’ goes beyond these surface-level conflicts to reveal the underlying similarities between the two generations. Both M and Amah are driven by a desire for security and a better future, albeit through different means. Amah’s careful saving and frugality throughout her life, juxtaposed with M’s quest for financial stability in the modern world, highlight how these concerns transcend age. In the end, it’s not technology or cultural practices that divide them, but rather a misunderstanding of each other’s values and struggles.
The film’s exploration of aging is another key element that resonates with both younger and older audiences. Amah, nearing the end of her life, grapples with the idea of legacy—not just in terms of wealth, but in the values and memories she leaves behind. For M, who initially views his grandmother as a source of financial gain, this realization marks a significant shift. The film deftly portrays how, as the older generation prepares to pass the torch, the younger generation must learn to appreciate the non-material inheritance they receive—wisdom, culture, and love.
Amah’s life is depicted not as one of regret, but of quiet dignity. Her traditional values, once seen as outdated by M, become a source of strength and stability as he comes to understand the importance of family ties in an increasingly fragmented world. In many ways, the film suggests that the true “millions” are the intangible legacies left behind by our elders—their stories, sacrifices, and lessons.
The cinematography in How to Make Millions enhances its exploration of generational divides. The film often contrasts the living spaces of the characters to reflect their emotional and psychological states. Amah’s home is warm, intimate, and filled with relics from the past, while M’s world is sleek, modern, and digital. The two spaces symbolize the broader cultural clash between traditional and contemporary values.
Boonnitipat uses these visual contrasts to great effect, creating a sense of warmth and nostalgia around Amah’s home. The careful framing of family gatherings, where characters are often physically close but emotionally distant, further underscores the film’s central themes. The use of color, particularly the warm tones of Amah’s living space, contrasts with the cooler, more sterile environments inhabited by the younger generation, visually reinforcing the emotional divide.
‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’ is a poignant, humorous, and ultimately uplifting exploration of family, culture, and the ties that bind us across generations. Pat Boonnitipat’s debut feature is a testament to the power of storytelling, transcending cultural and generational boundaries to deliver a message that resonates universally. By bridging the gap between Gen Z and Baby Boomers, the film reminds us that while technology and cultural shifts may create divides, the fundamental human experiences of love, loss, and legacy are timeless.
For audiences seeking a film that is equal parts heartwarming and thought-provoking, ‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’ offers a perfect blend of humor and heart. It’s a film that invites viewers to reflect not only on the value of material wealth, but on the riches of family, tradition, and shared memories.
Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter:The Hollywood Insider’sCEO/editor-in-chiefPritan Ambroase affirms, “We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.
I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed.”
Jake Yancey is a product of NYU Tisch and is passionate about engaging in substantial conversation and enriching, multi-faceted dialogue in politics, tv production, and culture. Jake is excited to work at The Hollywood Insider because he believes that Film and Journalism are humanity’s first line of defense against the chaos of an uninformed public sector and so spends his time scouting for relevant stories everywhere. Jake, driven by a strong work ethic and love for people, plans on eventually working at the studios to help develop the stories which have had such a lasting impact on him.
Jake Yancey is a product of NYU Tisch and is passionate about engaging in substantial conversation and enriching, multi-faceted dialogue in politics, tv production, and culture. Jake is excited to work at The Hollywood Insider because he believes that Film and Journalism are humanity’s first line of defense against the chaos of an uninformed public sector and so spends his time scouting for relevant stories everywhere. Jake, driven by a strong work ethic and love for people, plans on eventually working at the studios to help develop the stories which have had such a lasting impact on him.
Jake Yancey is a product of NYU Tisch and is passionate about engaging in substantial conversation and enriching, multi-faceted dialogue in politics, tv production, and culture. Jake is excited to work at The Hollywood Insider because he believes that Film and Journalism are humanity’s first line of defense against the chaos of an uninformed public sector and so spends his time scouting for relevant stories everywhere. Jake, driven by a strong work ethic and love for people, plans on eventually working at the studios to help develop the stories which have had such a lasting impact on him.
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