49 Up is a continuation of a documentary begun in 1963 with fourteen 7 year olds of various economic backgrounds. Every seven years director Michael Apted catches up with the group (2 have dropped out completely) to discuss their present situation as well as their past. It is a remarkable document to watch unfold.
I first discovered the series at Up 28 then back tracked the first three episodes to catch up. Since then each subsequent episode is like having family or friends visit to talk about what's been going on in their life. By 49 all the participants have reached their pinnacle though some still hold onto dreams and while illness and divorce have taken their toll it has not dampened the spirit or drive of any of them. While some at the age of 7 (Peter: "I read the Financial Times")are the men they are today none are in the doldrums of not having turned out different than what they thought they would be. Loyal partners, children and grandchildren have more than buttressed against the disappointments and bumps in the road we all come across as we go through life.
This incredibly unique series was begun as England and the world was about to go through a great social metamorphoses. The Beatles, iconoclastic playwright John Osbourne, political assassinations and Viet Nam were beginning to pick up speed. It was the world that was about to be handed to these children in which they would become its caretakers. But thankfully the series skirts the larger political issues and concentrates more on each participants personal journey which makes for a far more intimate and engrossing study.
Director Apted (as well as his candid and willing subjects) is to be highly commended for his commitment and perseverance in keeping this 42 year long documentary on the same steady path. In today's shameless society reality TV presents us with self absorbed tattooed and silicone freaks dumb as a post feigning sincerity coached by handlers for maximum shock effect. There isn't an ounce of truth in watching this detritus perform since it is more akin to a carnival freak show then reality. Up 49 and those before it allows the viewer to see the dignity of the common man unfold from childhood to adulthood and beyond in the real and changing world we live without phony fanfare or shocking exhibitionism to juice the content. Told in a straight forward style it showcases human experience in an objective and respectful way without condescension while still asking the tough questions. It is an outstanding achievement and magnificent example of the power of film at its most subtle.
I first discovered the series at Up 28 then back tracked the first three episodes to catch up. Since then each subsequent episode is like having family or friends visit to talk about what's been going on in their life. By 49 all the participants have reached their pinnacle though some still hold onto dreams and while illness and divorce have taken their toll it has not dampened the spirit or drive of any of them. While some at the age of 7 (Peter: "I read the Financial Times")are the men they are today none are in the doldrums of not having turned out different than what they thought they would be. Loyal partners, children and grandchildren have more than buttressed against the disappointments and bumps in the road we all come across as we go through life.
This incredibly unique series was begun as England and the world was about to go through a great social metamorphoses. The Beatles, iconoclastic playwright John Osbourne, political assassinations and Viet Nam were beginning to pick up speed. It was the world that was about to be handed to these children in which they would become its caretakers. But thankfully the series skirts the larger political issues and concentrates more on each participants personal journey which makes for a far more intimate and engrossing study.
Director Apted (as well as his candid and willing subjects) is to be highly commended for his commitment and perseverance in keeping this 42 year long documentary on the same steady path. In today's shameless society reality TV presents us with self absorbed tattooed and silicone freaks dumb as a post feigning sincerity coached by handlers for maximum shock effect. There isn't an ounce of truth in watching this detritus perform since it is more akin to a carnival freak show then reality. Up 49 and those before it allows the viewer to see the dignity of the common man unfold from childhood to adulthood and beyond in the real and changing world we live without phony fanfare or shocking exhibitionism to juice the content. Told in a straight forward style it showcases human experience in an objective and respectful way without condescension while still asking the tough questions. It is an outstanding achievement and magnificent example of the power of film at its most subtle.