Have you watched the Up series? This pioneering British documentary series, helmed by Michael Apted, chronicles the lives of 10 boys and four girls from diverse socio-economic environments, starting at age seven. Each installment opens with the slightly foreboding adage, “Give me a child until he is seven and I will give you the man.”
The series includes nine films so far, launched every seven years. The first reveals bright, wriggly seven-year-olds; the second, lanky teenagers; by the third, some had turned into smoking, world-weary 21-year-olds; and so forth.
Suzy at ages 7 and 21.
“I left school at 16 and moved to Paris,” shares Suzanne Dewey at age 21. “And I’m very very cynical about [marriage]”).
Throughout the years, you observe the group mature, attend college, marry, embark on careers, have children, go on holidays, relocate internationally, divorce, mourn loved ones; with some participants passing away. Above is the preview for 63 Up.
Yesterday evening, I discovered that the concluding film — 70 Up — debuts tomorrow. (Due to Michael Apted’s demise in 2021, this episode was directed by Asif Kapadia.) Viewing the series can be extremely moving — you witness adorable little boys growing up facing mental health challenges; or cheerful girls ending in repressive marital situations. Yet you see them on the other side, and if there’s a common thread among them, it’s that everyone increasingly embraces their identity with age. Most appeared far happier at 56 and 63 compared to previous years, which I found truly encouraging.
Will you be tuning in? I’m really thrilled to watch the latest one this week.
P.S. A captivating new TV program, and do TV professions feel authentic? We queried a doctor, chef, priest, and therapist.
**Announcement: Launch of 70 Up Film**
The eagerly awaited documentary film “70 Up” has officially premiered, signifying an important milestone in the esteemed “Up” series directed by Michael Apted. Beginning in 1964 with “Seven Up!”, this series has tracked the lives of fourteen British children, revisiting them every seven years to chart their personal and professional growth.
“70 Up” maintains this tradition, providing audiences a singular peek into the participants’ lives as they reach 70 years old. The film offers a moving reflection on aging, life decisions, and the passage of time, encapsulating the essence of human experience through the perspective of its varied cast.
Renowned for its longitudinal study approach, the series provides insights into the effects of social class, education, and personal goals over a lifetime. “70 Up” explores the participants’ reflections on their past, present lives, and aspirations for the future, presenting a deeply emotional narrative that resonates with viewers of all ages.
Critics have acclaimed “70 Up” for its emotional richness and the continuity it adds to the series, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of the project in examining the human condition. The film is poised to attract both long-standing enthusiasts of the series and new audiences with an interest in documentary filmmaking and sociological exploration.
“70 Up” is now showing in select cinemas and available on various streaming services, inviting viewers to engage with this remarkable cinematic journey. As the series progresses, it remains a testament to the power of documentary film to encapsulate the essence of life itself.
