Movie-49 Up

The latest in the superlative documentary series, 49 Up (2005) sees the kids, now in middle age, many of them grand-parents. And this year, this multiplyer of 7, seems to be good for most, if not all the group.

Tony, whose marriage was almost undone by his affairs, is still happily married, it seems more happily than before, a doting grandfather, he reflects strongly the child he was at 7. He loves strongly, and wears his heart on his sleeve. In fact, I was caught by how much, at 49, he looks like that 7-year-old. In fact, many of them look more like their 7-year-old selves than they have since that age.

The director Michael Apted has stuck with this remarkable project for 42 years, re-visiting these people every 7 years of their lives, catching up with who they are, and reminding us of the things they had hoped for, cared about, and dreamed of when they were younger.

We have been witness to Neil, happy 7 year old, troubled 21 year old and almost mad 35 year old, now, at 49, stable and mostly content, seemingly banishing the mental illness that plagued him earlier in life.

All these people seem more content with life, less driven to be something and succeed, and more driven to be happy, and love.

An extra on this DVD is Apted's interview with Roger Ebert, and he is planning to do 56 Up, and if possible, to keep going after that. It has been a captivating journey, and I can only applaud Apted and all the participants. It has not always been easy for them to participate in this. John asks in this film if this project has some intrinsic worth. John, only as much as life has an intrinsic worth. For this project reflects all our lives, the drama, the love, the heartbreak and the triumphs, even if they be fleeting. To all of them, thank you.