56 Up

Name: 56 Up
Genre: Documentary
Released: January 4, 2013
Duration: 144 min
Rating: 83

2013

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 19 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 18 Ratings

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8.2

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8.2	User Score Universal acclaim based on 18 Ratings

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56Up

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Movie Details & Credits

First Run Features | Release Date: January 4, 2013 | Not Rated

Summary: Director Michael Apted revisits the same group of British-born adults he has been chronicling in documentaries every seven years since they were each 7 years old. The original concept, starting in 1964's "Seven Up," was to interview 14 children from diverse backgrounds from all over England, asking them about their lives and their dreamsDirector Michael Apted revisits the same group of British-born adults he has been chronicling in documentaries every seven years since they were each 7 years old. The original concept, starting in 1964's "Seven Up," was to interview 14 children from diverse backgrounds from all over England, asking them about their lives and their dreams for the future. Every seven years, Apted, a researcher for Seven Up, has been back to talk to them, examining the progression of their lives. From cab driver Tony to schoolmates Jackie, Lynn and Susan and the heart-breaking Neil, as they turn 56 more life-changing decisions and surprising developments are revealed. (First Run Features)… Expand

Director: Michael Apted and Paul Almond

Genre(s): Documentary

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 144 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Roger Ebert

Jan 30, 2013

It is a mystery, this business of life. I can't think of any under cinematic undertaking that allows us to realize that more deeply. Read full review

100

Joe Neumaier

Jan 3, 2013

It shows that life is what happens when you're busy making other plans. And how, in case we forget, every age can predict the next. Read full review

100

Stan Hall

Jan 24, 2013

Every profile is fascinating, but certain ones stand out. Read full review

David Fear

Dec 31, 2012

Apted once wanted to give us "glimpses into Britain's future," per the archival-footage announcer. With this installment, he's delivered an intimate portrait of settling down and finally making peace with one's well-publicized past. Read full review

Bilge Ebiri

Jan 4, 2013

This is more social anthropology than psychology. 56 Up isn't concerned so much with opening up individual lives as it is with showing us how the journey of an ordinary life - or over a dozen ordinary lives - can offer insights into our own, and into society. The effect is often profoundly moving, but you can't help but feel at times like there are other stories here you're missing. Read full review

Tasha Robinson

Jan 2, 2013

However crafted their stories may have become, and however reluctantly they participate, their sacrifice will be appreciated by history, and by the next generation of voyeurs as well. Read full review

Ronnie Scheib

Jan 3, 2013

Certain moments in the film resemble nothing so much as attending a school reunion, being buttonholed by an old acquaintance and shown snapshots of the grandkids. A complacently conservative acceptance sometimes seems to blanket all of 56 Up, as if maturity entails a serene blessing of the status quo. Read full review

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User Reviews

lancekoz

Mar 23, 2013

You may be familiar with this series from before, but I must say I am pleasantly surprised at how it has changed. It is clearer in picture and sound (that is to say, the archival footage seems improved), and better edited than in previous incarnations. So if you thought you saw enough at '35You may be familiar with this series from before, but I must say I am pleasantly surprised at how it has changed. It is clearer in picture and sound (that is to say, the archival footage seems improved), and better edited than in previous incarnations. So if you thought you saw enough at '35 Up' or '42 Up', it is less of a slog now. Though it is hard to be comprehensive about these life stories in short gulps every seven years, still it is fascinating and the sheer images of styles and settings thru the years is rewarding in its own way too. As a cursory summary for the participants, I must say that the people seem more satisfied and relaxed than before, and there is a level of happiness that just doesn't exist in the United States as far as I have encountered. I don't know if that has to do with the British lifestyle, or benefits the government has provided, or other cultural factors... but there seems to be a general feeling of gratitude with what life has brought them and very little sense of disaster or regret.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Christopher_G2

Jul 7, 2015

I only saw two prior version of this long-running British documentary series before this one: 28 UP and 49 UP. I liked those both quite a bit, and I was even more uniquely satisfied with this episode, even though most characters did not have super dramatic life changes in the last sevenI only saw two prior version of this long-running British documentary series before this one: 28 UP and 49 UP. I liked those both quite a bit, and I was even more uniquely satisfied with this episode, even though most characters did not have super dramatic life changes in the last seven years. How almost every character grows and evolves is just so interesting. The main downside remains the unfortunate demographic imbalance with the subjects being about 75% male and with only one character of a minority racial status. That can't be changed, but otherwise this is a fascinating human study. I'm encouraged to go back and watch the "Up" films I have not seen yet.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

VinceM

Feb 18, 2013

This film is both good entertainment as well as a brief study in human development and how this small group of British 7 year olds faired for 56 years. There's a huge range from the lives of the wealthy and priviledged to those struggling with misfortunes and tragic beginnings. It's also anThis film is both good entertainment as well as a brief study in human development and how this small group of British 7 year olds faired for 56 years. There's a huge range from the lives of the wealthy and priviledged to those struggling with misfortunes and tragic beginnings. It's also an insightful commentary on various aspects of society the past forty years.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

cinemaquote

Jan 18, 2013

i love this series, had the chance to attend the nyc with michael apted. i learnt the following: the uk release is legally only TV, there are soviet, USA and european versions of UP -evidently not as good-, apted takes into account feedback from his docu-subjects, evidently they have growni love this series, had the chance to attend the nyc with michael apted. i learnt the following: the uk release is legally only TV, there are soviet, USA and european versions of UP -evidently not as good-, apted takes into account feedback from his docu-subjects, evidently they have grown together (in every possible sense). the series is the best longitudinal sociological study ever and a good entertainment piece: perfection.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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