Sandy M. (BritFlickFan)
Reviewed on 1/15/2023...
For those who aren't aware, the "Up" Series is a wonderful documentary series from Great Britain that was begun in 1963 with a group of 7 year olds from all different social-economic backgrounds. Some are extremely poor, while others are more well-to-do. The premise is based on the saying "show me a child when he is seven, and I will give you the man." In other words, the impulses, interests and personality of a seven-year-old will be predictive of that child's future. Every seven years, the film crew returned to interview the participants, and it is this seven-year cycle that is so addictive for the viewer. As we watch, we see the evolution of each of these individuals, some in ways that aren't surprising at all while the journeys of others are completely surprising. The films document the 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 35th, 49th, and 56th years of the original participants, and all of these are available to US audiences. A 63rd year version of the series has been filmed and was shown in the UK but sadly, this latest edition is not available to Region 1 viewers. Now that Michael Apted, the director, has passed away, it is unclear whether we will have any additional versions, but that doesn't detract at all from the enormously moving compendium that has already been completed. This is truly a film series that contributes to our understanding of ourselves and our fellow humans. Highly recommended.