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My Generation is a British documentary film released in 2017 that explores the swinging sixties of London, a period of cultural and social revolution that marked an unprecedented change in Western society. Narrated and presented by Michael Caine, the film takes us through the birth of pop culture, fashion, politics, and music in London between 1962 and 1970. Apart from Caine, My Generation features interviews with other influential figures of the 60s such as David Bailey and Twiggy and uses a blend of archive footage and new interviews to give us an immersive cinematic experience.

The film explores the various aspects of London's Swinging Sixties, which witnessed a momentous shift in culture and society. The movie takes us through the fashion trends of the era, from sharp suits to mini-skirts and go-go boots, which embodied the youthful spirit of the time. Caine, who grew up in south London, recounts the music scene that revolutionised the pop scene, from the Beatles to the Rolling Stones, and discusses how the British invasion of American music changed the game.

My Generation also covers significant moments in British society, such as the rise of the working-class, with the 1966 World Cup win being a crucial turning point. The film touches on the feminist and anti-racist movements, the birth of the underground press, and the influence of fashion, which was amplified by photographic talents like David Bailey. Caine, Bailey, Twiggy, and other interviewees share their stories of social mobility and talk about how the freedom of expression enabled the working-class to aspire to greater things.

The documentary features a splendid soundtrack that showcases the music of the era, with The Beatles’ and The Rolling Stones' iconic hits. The use of the classic tracks enhances the film's immersive experience and creates a vivid portrayal of the Sixties.

What sets My Generation apart is that it doesn't approach the topic of the Swinging Sixties as merely nostalgia or more history, but as a vital force that still fuels the zeitgeist, hence the film’s tagline, “The Time is Now.” The movie expresses how the Sixties, with its beliefs, ideas, and art, still inspire the youth of today. Moreover, the film's themes of youth liberation, pop culture, sex, and politics resonate with the newer generations, who can take inspiration from this pivotal moment in history.

Throughout the film, Caine is eloquent and reflective, using his customary wit and humour, which is infectious. He shares his own experiences of the era as a working-class boy from Elephant and Castle, who became an international film star, winning two Academy Awards. His perspective is positive and upbeat, emphasising that the 60s gave ordinary people a platform to make their dreams come true. He recounts how it was through music that people broke down social barriers and united against prejudice.

Bailey, on the other hand, talks about his photography, especially the images that transformed his career such as the iconic portrait of Mick Jagger, which became the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. Twiggy, known as the world's first supermodel, shares how her look, short hair, and androgynous style, brought something new to fashion and defied the expectations of what a woman should look like.

All the while, the documentary is lit up with dynamic visuals, such as the black and white footage of Caine in his early days, and photos of Twiggy as a fresh-faced teenager. The film also features footage, which has never been shown before, of the Beatles and other famous concerts that rocked the era.

In conclusion, My Generation provides a vibrant and thrilling picture of a momentous period that changed history. The film celebrates the achievements of the working-class, who were empowered by the musical and cultural changes of the era. Michael Caine, David Bailey, and Twiggy bring an artistic, expressive, and humorous touch to this fascinating account of a groundbreaking era. As a viewer, you will be enthralled and inspired by this cinematic journey into the Swinging Sixties.

My Generation is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.