42 years of lives condensed into one film—prepare to question your entire existence.
49 Up is the seventh film in a series of landmark documentaries that began 42 years ago when UK-based Granada's World in Action team, inspired by the Jesuit maxim "Give me the child until he is seven and I will give you the man," interviewed a diverse group of seven-year-old children from all over England, asking them about their lives and their dreams for the future. Michael Apted, a researcher for the original film, has returned to interview the "children" every seven years since, at ages 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 and now again at age 49.In this latest chapter, more life-changing decisions are revealed, more shocking announcements made and more of the original group take part than ever before, speaking out on a variety of subjects including love, marriage, career, class and prejudice.
Direction
Apted's 42-year commitment is unprecedented.
Editing
Juxtaposing childhood dreams with adult reality stings.
Director
Michael Apted
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Michael Apted started as a researcher on the original 1964 film and directed every subsequent installment until his death in 2021—he literally grew old with his subjects.
The series became so iconic that 'the Up children' became public figures against their will—several participants, including Charles, dropped out due to unwanted fame.
GB
