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Lucky Grandma poster

Lucky Grandma (2020)

Movie87minsRated M

IMDb6.3/ 10CTV score6.4/ 10

Where to watch Lucky Grandma in Australia

Streaming availability data from JustWatch.

About Lucky Grandma

In New York City's Chinatown, an ornery, chain-smoking Chinese grandma goes all in at the casino, landing herself on the wrong side of luck - and in the middle of a gang war.

Year
2020
Genres
Drama, Crime, Comedy
Runtime
87mins
Director
Sasie Sealy
Top cast
Tsai Chin, Hisao-Yuan Ha, Michael Tow, Emma Hong, Yan Xi

Lucky Grandma trailer

Lucky Grandma trailerPlay video: Lucky Grandma trailer

What our critics think

Independent reviews from the Compare TV editorial team.

Review Team

★★★★★4/5

Lucky Grandma, directed by Sasie Sealy, offers a compelling exploration of luck and resilience through the eyes of an elderly protagonist. The film's setting in New York City's Chinatown adds a vibrant backdrop to the story, enhancing its cultural authenticity. The narrative kicks off with the titular grandma, played brilliantly by Tsai Chin, who embodies a feisty spirit and a penchant for gambling. As she wins big at the casino, her life takes a dramatic turn, leading her into a precarious situation with local gangsters. Sealy's direction balances humour and tension, allowing for a nuanced portrayal of the character's journey. The film's pacing is well-structured, keeping viewers engaged while delivering moments of genuine emotion. Overall, Lucky Grandma is a refreshing take on the immigrant experience, blending comedy with a touch of drama, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.

Editor Team

★★★★★3/5

Lucky Grandma is a quirky film that brings a fresh perspective to the genre, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark in every aspect. The story revolves around a stubborn grandmother who takes a gamble, both literally and figuratively, and finds herself in over her head. While the premise is intriguing, the pacing feels uneven at times, with some scenes dragging on longer than necessary. Tsai Chin delivers a memorable performance, bringing warmth and wit to her character, but the supporting cast could have been more fleshed out. The film's humour is often dark, which may not appeal to everyone. However, it does provide a unique glimpse into the life of an older immigrant woman navigating a modern world. If you’re looking for something different and don’t mind a few rough edges, Lucky Grandma may still entertain you.

How viewers describe this

  • entertaining
  • quirky
  • dark humour
  • cultural
  • unique
  • heartfelt
  • uneven pacing
  • engaging
  • memorable performance
  • bittersweet
  • unpredictable
  • thought-provoking

Streaming Charts

The JustWatch Streaming Charts are calculated by user activity from the last 24 hours.

Got a question about Lucky Grandma?

Is Lucky Grandma worth watching?

Lucky Grandma is certainly worth a watch, especially for those who appreciate character-driven narratives infused with dark humour. The film offers a unique perspective on the often-overlooked lives of older immigrants in urban settings, all while delivering an entertaining plot filled with unexpected twists.

What is Lucky Grandma really about?

Lucky Grandma follows an elderly Chinese woman who, after winning big at a casino in New York City's Chinatown, finds herself entangled in a gang war. The story explores themes of luck, resilience, and the complexities of family and community, all wrapped in a comedic yet poignant narrative.

Is Lucky Grandma suitable for children?

Lucky Grandma is not particularly suitable for children due to its mature themes, including violence and strong language. The film is aimed at an adult audience and contains elements that may not resonate well with younger viewers.

Where can I watch Lucky Grandma in Australia?

In Australia, Lucky Grandma is available for streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime Video. It's worth checking your local listings for availability as streaming options may vary.

What happens at the end of Lucky Grandma? (Spoilers)

At the end of Lucky Grandma, the titular character navigates the consequences of her gambling spree and the ensuing chaos from the gang war. The film concludes on a bittersweet note, highlighting her determination and resilience while leaving her future somewhat uncertain.

Is there a sequel to Lucky Grandma?

As of now, there is no announced sequel to Lucky Grandma. However, the film's unique premise and engaging characters have sparked interest among audiences, so a follow-up could be a possibility in the future.

Is Lucky Grandma scary?

Lucky Grandma is not classified as a horror film, though it contains moments of tension and suspense due to the gang-related elements. The film leans more towards dark comedy than horror, making it an enjoyable watch without the typical scares.

What films are similar to Lucky Grandma?

Films that share thematic similarities with Lucky Grandma include The Farewell, which also focuses on family dynamics and cultural identity, and Crazy Rich Asians, which explores the complexities of Asian-American experiences. Both films offer rich narratives with strong cultural elements.