The emotional rollercoaster of a movie titled “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” has been captivating audiences across Southeast Asia, with viewers shedding tears and reflecting on their own family dynamics.
Daniel Nico Laudit, a popular content creator with 4.5 million followers on TikTok, shared his experience of watching the film in a movie theater in Manila. Despite claiming he does not cry easily, Laudit found himself wiping away tears in the bathroom after the screening.
The movie, which centers around a young man caring for his grandmother with Stage 4 cancer, has struck a chord with audiences in the region. Tickets were sold out on opening day in the Philippines, and theaters had to add more screenings to meet demand. In Singapore, it topped the box office, while in Indonesia, it drew millions of viewers.
Director Pat Boonnitipat explained that the film’s focus on family dynamics resonates with audiences in the region, where multi-generational households are common. The story delves into the complexities of relationships within a family facing the impending death of a loved one.
Viewers like Angeline Kartika from Jakarta and Joy Ni Ni Win from Myanmar were moved to tears by the film’s poignant storytelling. Many found themselves reflecting on their own relationships with family members after watching the movie.
For director Pat, the success of the film is a personal one, as he drew inspiration from his own experiences with his grandmother who battled cancer. The addition of characters based on his mother’s family added depth and authenticity to the story.
As the movie continues to resonate with audiences and make waves at the box office, it serves as a reminder of the universal themes of love, family, and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones before it’s too late.
