Watch 56 Up

"56 Up" is a British documentary that follows the lives of fourteen individuals, who were first interviewed by director Michael Apted in 1964 for the series "Seven Up." "56 Up" is the eighth installment of the "Up Series," which has chronicled the participants' lives every seven years since they were seven years old. The latest film catches up with the group at the age of 56 and explores their current hopes, fears, and struggles.

The film opens with a flashback to the first installment of the series, showing the young children at age seven and revealing what their dreams and aspirations were for their futures. Then, the film fast-forwards to present day, revealing where the participants ended up and how their lives have progressed since they were last interviewed. The participants are shown in their homes, workplaces, and with their family and friends, sharing their thoughts and experiences of the past 49 years.

The film reveals the highs and lows of each participant's life, from career successes to family breakdowns, health problems, and financial struggles. Some of the participants have experienced significant change, while others continue along a similar path to that which they have always walked. Bruce, for example, is now a successful barrister, while Jackie is a children's librarian who has overcome personal tragedy. Meanwhile, Lynn is struggling financially and Tony is dealing with health issues.

Throughout the film, Apted shows how the participants have evolved and reflects on how the series has impacted their lives. Several participants discuss the impact the films have had on their careers and personal lives, with some feeling that it has been intrusive and difficult to navigate, while others found it a helpful exercise to look back at their life and reflect on where they have come from.

Apted's directorial style is relatively hands-off, allowing the participants to tell their own stories in their own words. The resulting documentary is an engaging and emotional exploration of the human experience, with all its joys and challenges.

In addition to the personal stories told by each participant, the film also raises broader questions about society and human nature. The participants discuss their beliefs about class, politics, and the environment, revealing how their life experiences have influenced their worldview.

Overall, "56 Up" is a thought-provoking and moving film that offers audiences a unique insight into the human experience. Through the stories of fourteen individuals, the film captures the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people navigating the twists and turns of life. The result is a powerful exploration of the human condition that is sure to resonate with audiences of all ages.

56 Up is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 83.