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"Never underestimate a grandma's love for her family."
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
Congee (Jok)
The congee that Amah sells symbolizes heritage, nurturing, and the simple, consistent acts of love. For Amah, it's her livelihood and a connection to her past. For M, learning to make it signifies his transformation from a passive observer to an active caregiver who has inherited a piece of her legacy—not of wealth, but of tradition and care.
Amah wakes up early every day to prepare and sell congee at her market stall. M initially helps her as part of his scheme but eventually comes to appreciate the craft. His ability to make the congee for her when she is too weak is a pivotal moment in his character arc.
The Pomegranate Tree
In Thai-Chinese tradition, a pomegranate tree planted in front of a house is meant to ensure prosperity for the children. In the film, it symbolizes Amah's deep, enduring love and hopes for her family, particularly for M. Her saving a pomegranate for him is a tangible expression of her affection.
Amah planted the tree when M was born. Throughout the film, she carefully wraps pomegranates in plastic bags on the tree. M learns later that she has been saving them for him since he was a child, a revelation that deepens his understanding of her quiet love.
The Burial Plot
The large, expensive burial plot Amah desires symbolizes her final wish to bring her fractured family together. She believes that a grand gravesite will encourage her children and grandchildren to visit her, and thus each other, after she is gone. It represents her longing for family unity, even in death.
Amah expresses her wish for a large burial plot early in the film. After she passes away, M uses the money she secretly saved for him his entire life to buy the plot, fulfilling her wish and demonstrating his ultimate transformation from being motivated by inheritance to honoring her legacy.
Amah's House
The house initially represents a purely monetary goal for M—the grand prize in his inheritance scheme. As the film progresses, it transforms into a symbol of home, memory, and Amah's entire life. The contrast between her modest home and her son Kiang's modern, spacious house highlights the emotional and economic distances within the family.
M lists the house for sale early on, anticipating his inheritance. Amah later discovers this but doesn't confront him, a moment of quiet forgiveness. Her ultimate decision to give the house deed to her indebted son, Soei, is a climactic event that forces M to confront his true feelings for her, separate from any financial gain.
Philosophical Questions
What is the true nature of inheritance?
The film fundamentally questions what we inherit from our families. It contrasts the tangible inheritance of property and money with the intangible inheritance of memories, values, traditions (like making congee), and love. M begins by pursuing the former but discovers the profound value of the latter. The film suggests that the most meaningful legacy is not what is written in a will, but what is passed down through shared experience and emotional connection.
Can a selfless act originate from a selfish motive?
M's entire journey is built on this question. He performs the acts of a loving grandson for purely selfish reasons. The film explores how the performance of care and empathy can, over time, foster the genuine emotions themselves. It suggests that motivations can be fluid and that through the process of acting selflessly, a person can be fundamentally transformed, blurring the line between the original intent and the final, sincere outcome.
Does unconditional love require overlooking deep flaws?
Amah's relationship with her children, especially her prodigal son Soei, explores the limits and complexities of parental love. She is fully aware of their shortcomings—one is distant, one is irresponsible, and her daughter is overlooked. Yet, her love remains steadfast, culminating in her giving the house to the son who seemingly deserves it least. The film raises the question of whether this is a noble act of unconditional love or an enabling behavior that perpetuates a cycle of irresponsibility.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of "How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies" is a poignant exploration of the idea that true wealth is found not in material inheritance but in the priceless value of time and genuine human connection. Director Pat Boonnitipat wanted to tell a story that felt personal and relatable, focusing on the complex, often unspoken dynamics within families. The film posits that the greatest regret is not lost fortune, but lost time with loved ones. It serves as a powerful reminder to cherish family bonds, understand the sacrifices of older generations, and recognize that small, daily acts of care are far more valuable than grand, self-serving gestures. Ultimately, the message is that love, empathy, and shared memories are the most significant legacy one can receive and leave behind.