The old expression, “You can’t choose your relatives” is the bedrock that anchors this tale of family values, filial greed, lip service to doing the right thing and an opportunistic gesture that begins as a shallow cash grab only to end up as a truly heartfelt tribute for the ages.
Any family who has faced the inevitable passing of a matriarch (or may expect to do so—sooner or later) would be well advised to learn these lessons, artfully put on the big screen by director Boonnitipat (who co-wrote the script along with Thodsapon Thiptinnakorn), set in Bangkok and environs (notably Talat Phly).
Tying this production (and most of the Thai family under the microscope) together is Usha Seamkhum as Grandma (aka Amah). It’s a stellar performance of an elderly woman facing cancer and proving the ill/elderly have not lost their marbles as their doting family looking for some sort of payoff when the inevitable occurs circles the real estate. (And there’s an uncanny resemblance to Estelle Getty’s character, Sophia, on The Golden Girls.)
The other main character, grandson M, is also convincingly portrayed by Putthipong Assaratanakul as he gradually morphs from “good for nothing” opportunist into a young man with a future once Amah’s grit and wisdom are deeply understood.
The rest of the clan are shallow in their devotion (notably Sanya Kunakorn as Kiang—generous and helpful when it suits him and Wattana Subpakit’s brief but plot-centric roll playing Amah’s cold-as-ice brother). Bringing some welcome sunshine into the mix is the very young girl, Rainbow, a joy in every scene thanks to Himawari Tajiri’s infectious innocence.
The artistic trust has fashioned a largely believable narrative about a family trying to demonstrate solidarity, love and compassion which, beneath the surface, is fuelled by dreams of inheritance, a better life and—in one pathetic but believable case—the end of personal debts.
Most assuredly the icing on this familial cake comes from the original score (Jaithep Raroengjai) and especially the soothing, delicate contributions from pianist Wasin Prasertlap and cellist Wishwin Sureeratanakorn.
A viewing is highly recommended for all of us who are facing the inevitable end of their journey and all of those who possess the ability to make the final passing one to remember rather than trying to forget. JWR