7 Years a Circle - The 7 UP Documentary
I spent the whole weekend watching the Up Series, from when they were 7 to 49.
Great documentary, a worthwhile 20 hours marathon into the life of the participants. It is a panorama of the society from 1964 to 2006, an interesting study of human life, class, work and politics.
They made me think and reflect on my own life.
Neil probably is the most shocking one. From a lively and bright 7 year old, into a somber subdued 14 teen, and to a homeless casual labor struggling to meet ends meet, his journey into adulthood is of pain and confusion. At 42 he seemed to have made peace with his past and sought solace being a politician.
I feel for Jackie, the sweet round faced girl, pretty in the winter coat, running to school with her sister. She started nicely into the career world, working for banks and insurance companies. She looked very professional in 28, but who would imagine that at 35 she became a single parent and worked in a pub. She fought over the notion that she had a sort of miserable life. But on the other hand, she could not offer other explanation of how and why she became her today.
I like the quiet calmness of Bruce, as he appears on screen. He looked so vulnerable at 7 but turned out to be a much vocal teen at 14. His search for idealism and change changed him in return. "I am sure it will come" sums up his life. He is a late bloomer.
Although arrogant, John is not out of his character, background and education. He is the formation of the elite school. If he fulfills his political ambition at 56, it will be an interesting episode to watch.
I love watching Nick when he was young, in that big black coat, walking up hill, manning cows and sheep, talking about his dream to big cities. And later he would talk about the country he left behind for two decades, and the beautiful village at Dale, with tears in his eyes.
I am sure there are lots of cuts and edits to the interviews, and the final show does not present a full rounded study of each person. But still, the UP series are very good documentary, a glimpse of life beyond oneself.
Great documentary, a worthwhile 20 hours marathon into the life of the participants. It is a panorama of the society from 1964 to 2006, an interesting study of human life, class, work and politics.
They made me think and reflect on my own life.
Neil probably is the most shocking one. From a lively and bright 7 year old, into a somber subdued 14 teen, and to a homeless casual labor struggling to meet ends meet, his journey into adulthood is of pain and confusion. At 42 he seemed to have made peace with his past and sought solace being a politician.
I feel for Jackie, the sweet round faced girl, pretty in the winter coat, running to school with her sister. She started nicely into the career world, working for banks and insurance companies. She looked very professional in 28, but who would imagine that at 35 she became a single parent and worked in a pub. She fought over the notion that she had a sort of miserable life. But on the other hand, she could not offer other explanation of how and why she became her today.
I like the quiet calmness of Bruce, as he appears on screen. He looked so vulnerable at 7 but turned out to be a much vocal teen at 14. His search for idealism and change changed him in return. "I am sure it will come" sums up his life. He is a late bloomer.
Although arrogant, John is not out of his character, background and education. He is the formation of the elite school. If he fulfills his political ambition at 56, it will be an interesting episode to watch.
I love watching Nick when he was young, in that big black coat, walking up hill, manning cows and sheep, talking about his dream to big cities. And later he would talk about the country he left behind for two decades, and the beautiful village at Dale, with tears in his eyes.
I am sure there are lots of cuts and edits to the interviews, and the final show does not present a full rounded study of each person. But still, the UP series are very good documentary, a glimpse of life beyond oneself.
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