49 Up

2005

1h 30m

Documentary

List

97%

Tomatometer

65 Reviews

87%

Audience Score

25,000+ Ratings

Twelve people, documented every seven years since they were each 7 years old, discuss how their lives have changed since their last interview.

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Critics Consensus

The latest installment in this remarkable series, 49 Up is a satisfying continuation of Michael Apted's singular sociological and cinematic experiment.

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J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

This seventh installment is utterly fascinating, drawing heavily on footage from the previous movies to follow each child on the journey into middle age.

Aug 14, 2012

Full Review

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Michael Apted's Up series remains one of the great imaginative leaps in film.

Rated: 4/4

Nov 3, 2006

Full Review

Michael Wilmington

Chicago Tribune

I can think of no single movie, fictional or factual, that more strongly awakens our common humanity or that establishes such a marvelous, tight bond with its characters.

Rated: 4/4

Nov 2, 2006

Full Review

Fernando F. Croce

CinePassion

Essential viewing

Aug 28, 2009

Full Review

Cole Smithey

ColeSmithey.com

There should not be an adult in the western world who isn't at least tacitly familiar with Michael Apted's groundbreaking documentary series based on the idea that a person's personality is formed by the age of seven.

Rated: A

Apr 24, 2009

Full Review

Peter Keough

Boston Phoenix

In 42 years has the series brought any insight into issues of class, politics, or culture? Perhaps only insofar as nearly all the participants, regardless of background, end up as the same bourgeois, middle-aged mediocrities.

Rated: 2.5/4

Apr 23, 2009

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Audience Member

Not much I havent already said about this amazing and ultimate journey that these individuals have allowed us to share with them. It is interesting hearing many reflect back on how they wish they had never gotten involved with this project, while still admitting they can recognize the value in this, or reason the reception has been so positive through the years. Bruce probably underwent some of the biggest changes welcoming two kids since the last update at 42, a reveal which had me cheering like I was watching a sporting event, and transferring to a prestigious prep school after a lifetime of socialist leaning inspired championing for the under privileged. I was happy to see John back too and found him more likable in this segment than he has been in any one previous. Tony is still living his best life and I was happy to see him and his wife getting on still, and as grandparents now. Neil seems to be doing progressively better finding his niche, which is all anyone could have hoped for after seeing the clips from 21-35 yr old Neil. This is the third film now with no mention or update of Peter, which I find odd as even Charles has been mentioned each film and has not participated since he was 21.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

Full Review

david f

A great documentary.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Made during the boom of reality television, this is curiously the first chapter in which some of the participants snap back at Michael Apted for his questions, giving us a wonderful insight into what they feel about being part of the series and also how it has affected their lives.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/14/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The highlight is a disagreement between the director and one of his subjects. That makes for the most interesting viewing. Not much has changed between 42 and 49 to be honest. Still, nowhere near enough focus on issues for my liking

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I definitely don't think this series was meant to be binge-watched. It's almost too much to wrap your mind around. It's crazy how many of the participants are upset about being on the series when it doesn't seem like it goes THAT deep to me. I still love it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/23/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Some deaths of their parents have happened, more divorces. A couple have finally got married. More career changes, can't believe the homeless man has gone into politics. Yes not seeing as big changes as when younger. However a lot continues to change and starting to see some of the hostilities to the intrusiveness of film in the characters lives.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/15/23

Full Review

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Michael Apted

Director

Bruce Balden

Actor

Jacqueline Bassett

Actor

Symon Basterfield

Actor

Andrew Brackfield

Actor

John Brisby

Actor

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Synopsis

Twelve people, documented every seven years since they were each 7 years old, discuss how their lives have changed since their last interview.

Director: Michael Apted
Genre: Documentary
Release Date (DVD): Nov 14, 2006
Runtime: 1h 30m