Some films possess the power to fulfill our deepest wishes. Take Pat Boonnitipat's debut, "How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies". The 34-year-old Thai director humorously promised his grandma millions if the movie was a box office success. Little did he know, this film would turn into a cultural supernova in Asia, becoming the most successful Thai film in the region.
Unraveling the Ties Between Love, Money, and Family
Wish Fulfillment in Film
In this film, we see a unique form of wish fulfillment. The title itself hints at the protagonist's desire to make a fortune before his grandma passes away. It showcases how films can tap into our subconscious dreams and desires. For example, M, the university dropout, puts aside his dreams of becoming a video game streamer to care for his grandma. This act of self-sacrifice is driven by his hope of inheriting her wealth. It highlights the complex relationship between our aspirations and our family obligations.The Harder-Edged Premise
When M discovers his grandma Mengju has cancer, his motives are far from pure. He hopes to win a bumper inheritance by taking on the role of her carer. However, he faces rivals for his grandma's affection, including his hardworking single mother, wealthy but greedy uncle, and a gambling brother. This creates a tense and complex situation within the family. It shows how money can often complicate our relationships and lead to conflicts. For instance, M's actions are driven by his desire for financial gain, but he also starts to develop a genuine bond with his grandma. This shows the nuanced nature of human emotions and how they can be influenced by money.Navigating the Knotty Tripartite Relationship
Boonnitipat expertly navigates the uneasy territory between duty, care, and money. Love and money often become intertwined in families, and this film explores this complex relationship. From a young age, we associate money with love through red packets. But as we grow up, we realize that these emotions can be mixed up. In the film, M's actions are a reflection of this confusion. He loves his grandma but is also motivated by money. Boonnitipat shows how difficult it is to separate these two aspects and how they can shape our behavior.Gender and Family Dynamics
The seeds of the film came from Boonnitipat's co-writer, whose grandma left an inheritance only to her sons, leaving his mother empty-handed. This reflects the gender issues within families and how they can impact inheritance. Boonnitipat also drew on his own family experiences, using his mother as a model for the character in the movie. He questions what it means to love your family when there are unspoken hierarchies. This shows how films can be a powerful tool for exploring social issues and raising awareness.Cutting His Teeth on Thai Television
Boonnitipat initially trained for TV writing by writing and directing coming-of-age dramas. With a feature film, he faced a different challenge - focusing on details rather than structure. This shows how different mediums require different skills and approaches. For example, in TV writing, the focus is often on creating a compelling story arc, while in feature films, the details play a crucial role in bringing the story to life.Returning to Bangkok and Bonding with Grandma
During the development of the film, Boonnitipat returned to Bangkok to live with his 92-year-old grandma for eight months. This experience had a profound impact on the film. He witnessed his grandma's daily routine of watching TV and realized the solitude she faced. By living together, they bonded again, and this brought the rest of the family closer together. This shows how spending time with our loved ones can have a positive impact on our relationships.Exploring Family Spaces
The film explores the spaces occupied by these newly fragmented families. From amah's endearingly cluttered Chinatown home to her older brother's sprawling mansion, each space reflects the family's history and culture. For example, amah's brother's mansion represents a patriarchal culture that has held on over the years. It shows how our living spaces can shape our identities and values.Influences and Chemistry
Boonnitipat was influenced by the strong family dynamics and social realism of Taiwanese director Edward Yang and Japan's Hirokazu Kore-eda and Naomi Kawase. He focused on developing the chemistry between his lead actors, both of whom were taking on their first major screen roles. By making them play a game together, he established a gentle teasing dynamic that added depth to their performances.Resonance for Thai-Chinese Viewers
"How to Make Millions" has a particular resonance for Thai-Chinese viewers, who make up about 10% of Thailand's population. Many Thai-Chinese grandparents still hold on to their traditions, but younger generations are shedding their heritage. The film captures this sense of generational change and the loss of traditions. For instance, the Qingming festival, which involves visiting ancestors' graves, is a tradition that is fading away. This shows how films can be a vehicle for preserving cultural heritage.Grandma's Reaction
What has Boonnitipat's own grandma made of the film's success? He humorously describes how she was stunned when he handed her a cut of his box-office earnings. This shows the impact that the film has had on her and how it has changed her life. It also highlights the power of art to touch people's lives and create meaningful connections.READ MORE