By Peter de Kuster
Introduction: What Are You Really After?
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies is a Thai dramedy that begins as a cheeky heist and blossoms into a meditation on family, legacy, and what truly counts in life. The film follows M, a drifting university dropout, who volunteers to care for his terminally ill grandmother, Mengju, with the not-so-secret hope of inheriting her house and fortune. But as M’s journey unfolds, he discovers that the real inheritance isn’t measured in money, but in meaning. For creative leaders, this film is a mirror: Are you chasing someone else’s definition of success, or are you ready to author your own legend—one with heart?
Plot Summary: From Selfish Schemes to Selfless Growth
M, a young man with gaming dreams and little ambition, envies his cousin Mui, who inherits a fortune after caring for their grandfather. When his own grandmother, Mengju, is diagnosed with terminal cancer, M seizes the chance to become her caregiver, hoping to secure a similar windfall. At first, his efforts are transactional—listing her house for sale, currying favor, and struggling with his own discomfort and guilt. Mengju, sharp and unfiltered, sees through his motives but gradually warms to his presence as M steps into her world, even taking over her congee stall.
As family secrets surface—siblings vying for inheritance, debts, and betrayals—M is forced to confront what he truly values. He gives up material advantages, supports his uncle, and ultimately chooses care over calculation. In the end, Mengju passes away, but not before leaving M a gift she’d saved for him since childhood. M uses it to buy her the burial plot she dreamed of, finally understanding that love and legacy are built on genuine connection, not schemes.
The Hero’s Journey in How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies
Reflections for Creative Leaders at Every Stage
| Stage | Film Moment | Reflection for Creative Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ordinary World | M’s aimless life as a dropout and gamer | Where are you drifting, waiting for opportunity instead of creating it? |
| 2. Call to Adventure | Mui’s inheritance inspires M to care for Mengju | What “easy win” or shortcut is tempting you to act—what’s your true motivation? |
| 3. Refusal of the Call | M’s discomfort, guilt, and doubts about his plan | When have you hesitated, knowing your motives weren’t pure? |
| 4. Meeting the Mentor | Mui’s advice, Mengju’s wisdom, and the lessons of caregiving | Who challenges your assumptions and helps you see deeper truths? |
| 5. Crossing the Threshold | M moves in with Mengju, takes over her daily routines | What leap into the unknown have you taken, despite uncertainty? |
| 6. Tests, Allies, Enemies | Family rivalries, secrets, and the struggle to earn trust | Who are your true allies—and who competes for the same “prize”? |
| 7. Approach to the Inmost Cave | M faces betrayal, gives up his own inheritance for family | What are you willing to sacrifice for integrity or love? |
| 8. Ordeal | Mengju’s health declines, M’s motives are exposed | When have you been forced to confront your own flaws or failures? |
| 9. Reward | Genuine connection with Mengju, her final gift and blessing | What unexpected gifts have come from choosing heart over ambition? |
| 10. The Road Back | M rejects further schemes, reconciles with family | How do you act differently after your values are tested? |
| 11. Resurrection | M honors Mengju’s wishes, unites the family at her burial | How have your trials transformed your sense of purpose and legacy? |
| 12. Return with the Elixir | M’s final act: buying Mengju’s burial plot with her gift | What wisdom or love will you carry forward—and share with others? |
Conclusion: The True Inheritance
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies is a story about the difference between getting rich and living richly. M’s journey reminds us that the real prize is not what you take, but what you give—and who you become in the process. As creative leaders, the question is not how to make millions, but how to make meaning. The story you write with your life is the only inheritance that endures.
Questions to Take Away After Watching How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies
- Where in your life are you chasing rewards that don’t truly fulfill you?
- Who are your mentors—and what uncomfortable truths have they helped you face?
- When have you chosen connection over competition, or meaning over money?
- What “inheritance” do you want to leave for those who follow?
- How will you rewrite your legend to reflect your deepest values?
Story Coaching Offer: Create Your Hero’s Journey with Peter de Kuster
Are you ready to claim a new story—one rooted in meaning, not just ambition? My story coaching is for:
- Creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders seeking clarity, purpose, and authentic impact
- Anyone at a crossroads, ready to turn self-interest into growth, generosity, and legacy
- Individuals inspired by stories and determined to become the author of their own life
Benefits of Story Coaching
- Discover your personal myth and core archetypes
- Reframe limiting beliefs and turn adversity into opportunity
- Gain clarity on your mission, legacy, and next creative chapter
- Develop practical strategies for authentic, impactful leadership
- Strengthen your storytelling skills to inspire and unite your team
Special Price for Readers
- Full Story Coaching Session (2 hours): €195 (excl. VAT)
- Express Session (1 hour): €120 (excl. VAT)
Contact: peter@wearesomeone.nl
You are the hero, the storyteller, and the legend in the making. The next chapter is yours to write.
The Power of Your Story 