35 Up

Released 1991
Directed by Michael Apted

"35 Up" is the latest installment in the most engrossing long-distance documentary project in the history of film. It began 28 years ago, when some ordinary British citizens of various backgrounds were interviewed about their views of the world - at the age of 7. Ever since, at seven-year intervals, director Michael Apted has revisited the subjects for an update on their lives and views, and in this new film the children born in the mid-'50s are marching into middle age, for the most part with few regrets.

Nearly 30 years have passed since the camera first recorded them peering out at the world around them. In another seven years, most of them will be back again. None has yet died. The project will continue as long as any of them cooperate. Eventually the time will come when only two or three are still alive, and then none. And many years in the future, viewers will be able to look at this unique record, and contemplate the beauty and mystery of life. I am glad most of the subjects of this project have sacrificed their privacy to us every seven years, because in a sense they speak for us, and help us take our own measure.

Summary by Roger Ebert