42 Up

1998

2 hr. 19 min.

Documentary

Biography

List

89%

35 Reviews

Tomatometer

94%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

Michael Apted's saga continues with the lives of people he first profiled in "Seven Up!" in 1964.

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Audience Member

I am not sure if we are peaking here but at 42 each of these participants have now had uniquely interesting experiences, and the proper time to look back and reflect on them. The emotions feel stronger in me as well with each successive film as I can't help but feel a deeper connection to each person, as the details from past experiences fuel, or hinder, the growth witnessed in the present film. I was thrilled to see Simon back but sad to learn that he doesn't see his five kids much after he and his wife divorced. I still get a kick out of Tony but appreciate the honesty his wife displayed in discussing their marital issues. Aside from Andrew, Tony maybe the participant who has had the most easily predictable outcome, and in each film he seems to basically do whatever it is he said he was going to do in the previous film. Paul and his wife seem so happy and perfect for each other and I couldn't be happier seeing that happen for a kind and gentle soul like him. Lynn and her husband also seem to have a relationship that makes a truly happy family, and I was glad to hear her health issues haven't been keeping her down. Bruce was by far my favorite this time but it was actually during Neil's segment that he earned this accolade. I finally shed some legit tears during this series, seeing the way those two have connected, with Neil, upon his arrival to London, even spending some time in Bruce's guestroom as his roommate. I was so thrilled Neil looks like he is starting to experience a positive bounce as he surrounds himself with more people in London. There has also been no mention or update of Peter for 2 films now... 9.5/10

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

Full Review

david f

Michael Apted's brilliant documentary.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

A surprising installment in the Up Series for those who don't believe you can change your life (sometimes quite radically, I would say) after you're 35 - and right when you think you have seen it all, things get even more interesting and impressive as we approach the end of the film.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/14/23

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Audience Member

Perhaps I should not have watched these in films in such quick succession... They do become rather repetitive, and while I understand that each installment should be watchable as a film on its own, it feels as if there is only 20 mins of new material each time around. And of that, only 10 mins are particularly interesting. Still, worth watching

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

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Audience Member

The best one yet! Definitely a few boring stories, but some of the best ones so far too. I really loved it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/23/23

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Audience Member

Now some of the new changes I could predict but it's more amazing how much u can't. People seem to be settling down more now and have the jobs they will continue to have until retirement. Their kids are a bit older. Again all have such different stories and I'm glad some have come back in series to show their lives. Incredible series.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/15/23

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Michael Apted

Director

Bruce Balden

Actor

Symon Basterfield

Actor

Jacqueline Bassett

Actor

Andrew Brackfield

Actor

Nicholas Hitchon

Actor

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Lisa Alspector

Chicago Reader

Their largely negative or only superficially positive responses make me feel guilty about finding the series so fascinating -- and should make the filmmakers feel even guiltier.

Aug 14, 2012

Full Review

Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

On some level, 42 Up is a startling home-movie time capsule. Simply to behold the aging process with such intimacy is enough to give you a shudder.

Rated: B-

Sep 7, 2011

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Louis B. Parks

Houston Chronicle

One of the best movie series ever is a true-life drama like no other. Miss it at your peril.

Rated: B+

Jul 21, 2005

Full Review

Chuck Walton

Hollywood.com

42 Up is a delightful and moving look at humanity through the singular stories of this captivating group.

Sep 8, 2009

Full Review

Cole Smithey

ColeSmithey.com

Perfect. An absolute must-see.

Rated: 5/5

May 25, 2008

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Frank Swietek

One Guy's Opinion

Rated: 5/5

Mar 30, 2007

Full Review

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Synopsis

Michael Apted's saga continues with the lives of people he first profiled in "Seven Up!" in 1964.

Director: Michael Apted
Executive Producer: Ruth Pitt, Stephen Lambert
Genre: Documentary, Biography
Original Language: English