How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies

How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies | 2024 | 12A | Dir. Pat Boonnitipat | Thailand | IMDb 7.9 | Subtitled | 125 mins

This is an entertaining and heartfelt dramedy exploring family dynamics set in modern-day Bangkok.  Beautifully shot by first time film director Pat Boonnitipat, the cinematography highlights the vivid colour and lush backdrops of Thailand.  However, despite the exotic setting this film is eminently relatable in it’sexploration of both the day-to-day issues and deeper themesaffecting modern families.

The film centres around the elderly and ailing (grandma) of the title with a house in a good district of Bangkok.  Younger members of the family try to curry favour with her in order to secure a greater piece of her inheritance.  The film faces the decline of grandma and explores the clash of values and growing relationship with her grandson.  

What works so well is that the larger themes of life, death and legacy are grounded in scenes of daily life in and around Bangkok and indeed by the ordinariness of Grandma herself – the wise matriarch who sees more than others realise. Both of the leads are first time film actors and give authentic and tender performances.

The priorities of members of the family at different ages and stages are explored, as well as how, who and what we value in lifeshifts over time.  Also the themes of sibling rivalry, greed, love and devotion, caregiving, intergenerational wealth, and the meaning of life are universal, so there is something here that everyone can relate to.

How to Make Millions Before Your Grandmother dies was a huge critical and commercial success both in South-East Asia and internationally.  In 2025 it was Thailand’s submission to the Oscars and the highest grossing film at their box office too.  Unashamedly sentimental in parts, with an emotive piano score to match, this film is as uplifting as it is tragic, with emotional reactions to it going viral around the world.  Don’t miss this chance to see it on the big screen and experience your own reaction.

·       Screen 1

·       Doors open 7pm (or when Odeon staff permit entry)

·       Welcome from our chair Paula Stott @ 7.30pm

·       Free parking after 6pm if you DISPLAY an orange parking voucher, available from Odeon staff

·       Unreserved seating

·       We invite every viewer to score the film afterwards using a token system in the lobby