Watch 306 Hollywood

306 Hollywood is a magical, whimsical and deeply moving documentary that gives viewers a look into the life and legacy of the filmmaker's late grandmother. The film details the process of going through the belongings of the grandmother's 306 Hollywood Avenue home in Newark, New Jersey, following her passing. The siblings, Elan and Jonathan Bogarín, take the seemingly daunting task of clearing out their grandmother's home, and instead turns it into a touching and enlightening documentary about the relationship between objects and memories.

The audience is given a glimpse into the lives of the siblings and their family, as they examine every item in their grandmother's home, from her closet full of clothes to her obsolete book collection, and even the tackle box that once belonged to her husband. The documentary is more of a visual essay on the meaning associated with objects and how they hold memories or connections to the past that individuals, as well as families, must sort through in order to understand and let go. The film is filled with striking visuals and impressive animation.

From a typewriter with its keys glued down, to a closet full of fur coats, 306 Hollywood offers an intimate and sentimental journey of what makes us human, going beyond simple possessions to understand our pasts.

The film does not shy away from the deeper questions of life and death. The filmmakers, Elan and Jonathan, and their family engage with audiences on a very personal level, as we are reminded of our own mortality and how our collective history is tied up in material objects. As the film progresses, it becomes apparent that the story is not just about the grandmother's possessions but also about the many parts of her life and the lives of the Bogarín family that are revealed through her possessions.

At its core, 306 Hollywood is a celebration of life and family that is both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally resonant. The audience is taken on an imaginative journey peppered with humor, nostalgia, and even spirituality. The film combines a wide range of genres, including animation, autobiography, fantasy, and documentary storytelling. It transforms what could have been a straightforward family story into a universal exploration of human nature and the ties that bind us all.

One of the strengths of the film is its impressive use of animation to illustrate childhood memories, dreams and desire. The animation is artful, evocative, and emotionally insightful, offering a way to connect the audience with the memories of what has come before.

Another standout aspect of the film is its striking cinematography and artful use of color. 306 Hollywood is stunning to look at, which makes the experience more memorable and impactful. Each frame is filled with creativity and intentionality, offering a vivid look at the nature of memory.

The film is not without its flaws, however. One of the major drawbacks is that it can be slow-paced at times. The siblings delve deep into every facet of their grandmother's life, often spending too long on the minutiae of each item. In addition, the film borders on reverential at times, making the human experience feel too saccharine and elevated.

Despite these flaws, 306 Hollywood is a triumphant documentary that showcases the power of storytelling and the importance of family heritage. The film is a reminder of the eternal and universal significance of everyday objects that oftentimes go unnoticed in our daily lives. Ultimately, the film shows that the act of going through the things left behind after death can be a moving tribute to the person who once held them. Overall, you would not want to miss 306 Hollywood if you want a thought-provoking and visually stunning glimpse into the process of remembering and letting go.

306 Hollywood is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 66.