306 Hollywood

Although clearly rooted in deep affection and love, I found this to be an unfortunate, self-indulgent, ultimately disrespectful, and at times humiliating film. Like others, I was particularly disturbed by the filmmakers' decision to almost literally lay-bare their diminished, beloved grandmother on camera, despite her seeming discomfort. One hopes that Grandma's "atoms" were not able to tune in for a screening. Using a personal archaeological investigation of a home as a lens for understanding one's life is intriguing, but the approach was not fully realized. The end result is aesthetically slick but feels superficial.

This film was so original and lovely and remarkable! I loved the details of the miniature version of the grandmothers house and I am now inspired to do that small part at least for my grandmothers home. This is definitely a film you do not want to miss!

Years ago I read an interview with a studio head who said something like 90% of the scripts they get only the writers mother would enjoy.... today they make a documentary. So many family stories that not even the family would be interested in are turned in to documentaries that no one wants to watch. But Simka went to film school so let her make a film. If your Simka or are sleeping with her you have to watch... the rest of us don't.

The film is meant to be a tribute to their grandmother. However there are some segments in the film that would in my opinion humiliate grandma. Also the producers mother uses language that I believe or perhaps hope is scripted rather than her natural tongue. There are many sentimental scenes in this film but I was left feeling uncomfortable by what I have referenced.

I agree with those critics who disapprove of one of the choices in the film, but I feel the uniqueness and creativity expressed in this film puts it in the must-see list of any Documentary aficionado.

It is thought provoking and raises fundemental questions about our own family's mythology, grappling to understand loss of loved ones, and what is our remaining essence.

In a way it is a sad movie about a perrson who lived what appears to have been a rather unremarkable life, however the magical realism style lightens it up.

Stylistically it is an innovative and important film to pay attention to!