21 Up

I remain rather ambivalent. Certain characters are emerging as people whose futures I'm curious about: John the douchebag, Suzy the spoiled little rich girl, Tony the cabbie, Neil the squatter. Others I'm less curious about, although Apted often spends unreasonably long stretches of time with them. This installment does get a leg up in that a larger picture is being drawn, we can see more of a development through these peoples' lives. But there still isn't a ton of compelling material.

Highly recommended. Much has happened since we last met these people; they've become adults between films. It's an amazing doc. My favorite from the series so far. When I've finished it (or caught up, that is), I'm definitely going to rewatch it.

I'm rating all of these a 90 because I see the experiment as valuable. These are normal people, for the most part, and some are interesting, some are not. Some of them have very bad problems, some don't. The prejudice of the film-maker is obvious, but what captivated me was whether or not we come to know these children, and later adults? I think we do, better than we ever will know Tom Cruise or Lindsay Lohan, no matter how many films they make. For that, for the depth of information, it's a 90.

This is the first of the series that is really eye-opening. Not only are the subjects opinions formed as adults, but their lives have gone in varying directions as a result of life decisions they've made. I look forward to 28 Up.

I find this to be the most satisfying of the Up series as it contains the biggest transformations in the characters from their early teens to their adulthood.

Compelling entry is perhaps the moment where Apted's concept finally clicks into place - his subjects are far more eloquent and revealing than in previous entries and it is interesting as to how Apted presents the sometimes pretentious attitudes of his "upper" subjects in particular in a non-judgemental way, but still quietly probing from behind the camera. Unfortunate that this is apparently the last we see of Furneaux, as his quiet sparring with Apted provides one of the great highlights.

This and 28 Up are the strongest episodes in my opinion, as the twenties seem to be the most formative and turbulent years. John turned out to be a literal version of Tory Boy, what a surprise.

My favourite 'Up'. Love the (I'd imagine) unintentional villain subplot: Aspiring jockey: "[the movies show that] I'm bad and you're good." Aspiring comic book villain: "Vice versa, I think--" Jockey: "--don't be silly--" Aspiring comic book villain: "--especially in [7 Up]," later followed up by the aspiring comic book villain talking about his moral outrage at people emigrating from England, and the jockey saying "ya gotta kill the guy next t'ya ta get in front of him."

An important instalment for me, because now these "kids" are older than me. They've now become adults; independent, cynical, chain-smoking, depressed adults, most of whom are in relationships that we will not see flourish (whether they were married or not).

Uses a bit too much archive footage, but otherwise it's fantastic and probably the point where the series really comes into its own. Even the non-answers provide a glimpse into their thoughts and feelings, and while the goal of the series was to compare class influences, which obviously exist, it also shows how differing personalities can affect life outcomes.

Still a fascinating idea, still plagued with the same problem as the first two films: this group of young people just isn't interesting at all.

For the first time we start to see fully developed ideas about their lives and world around them. Some of the children aren't as interesting as others but the ones who are, carry the film. An ambitious project is bearing fruit.

At 21 up all of the people here are forming real opinions and beginning to actually have to make decisions. Some of them are actually growing into some quite interesting people while others are just as pompous as your would think. The concept is in full force and if you've watched up 'til now you're probably hooked.

The more footage they have from the previous age cohorts, the better the documentaries get. 21 Up is the first one where we can really start to get some perspective. Plus, the subjects are so much more articulate.

Andrew Brackfield: "Education is very important and you can never be sure of leaving your children any worldly goods, but at least you can be sure that once you've given them a good education that's something that no one can ever take away."

Intriguing to no end. Some real opinions are presented now. "The Up Series" concept is a thought provoking look at the social structure.

See my review of 49 UP.

A concept so powerful that you could shoot it like a potato but it would still move you.

The previous installments had moments of spontaneous insight and uncanny prophecy, but it's not until we see these young adults attempt to make sense of life that the waters begin to collect and run deeper. By the end, when I'm privvy to the fascinating, precarious lifestyle of Neil Hughes (one of the most articulate participants), my throat clutches.

All the privileged kids seem to think this is a tremendous waste of time. And I tend to agree with them. I like Nick though, he's a chill dude.

Neil, Bruce, Lynn

It was good but i feel it was a let down considering the potential shown in the last version.

Public schoolboy: "We've been taught to expect more. It's not that we're better qualified." Since the Up series shows its previous footage to its subjects, I've wondered what effect self-observation would have on their lives. I think the answer is: it doesn't qualify them to live bigger than they would've; a doc once every 7 years isn't going to veer them off course. Fascinating to see their adult personas resiliently emerge to deal with classic issues like "How do I make something of myself?"

Fascinating stuff.

"Seven Up scene-stealer Neil Hughes becomes the series' tragic figure in 21 Up." - Ed Gonzalez

Amazing.

This is the first film in the series to really take off, as we see the social class issues rear their heads in adult life, as well as in the response to the film itself.

Interesting to see the "kids" entering adulthood. Some don't turn out quite like you'd expect, which is interesting.