7 Up & Me

7 Up & Me is a fascinating documentary film from 2019 which acts as a tribute to the high-profile, longitudinal British documentary series "Up". This standalone production offers a different yet deep insight into the popular series, blending together a variety of elements from biography, social commentary, and reflections on the nature of documentary filmmaking.

The film is hosted by British actress Joanna Lumley, who is known for her charismatic screen presence and engaging storytelling style. Lumley brings a sense of personal touch and wit to the film, enticing audiences with her unique perspective. She serves as our guide through the remarkable journey of the series and the lives of its subjects, interviewing notable figures involved in the project, revisiting key moments, and exploring the cultural impact that the series has had since its inception. Notably, Lumley also reflects on her own life and career in parallel comparison, exploring the overlapping themes that emerged in both the series and her own experience.

Michael Apted, the director of the original "Up" series, is a central figure in 7 Up & Me. His work is notably explored in-depth, providing an appreciation for his vision and dedication to a project that has spanned over 50 years. Apted's interviews in the film offer interesting outlooks not only on the project but also on his philosophies and thoughts about life, society, and filmmaking. He delves into what made the original "Up" series so groundbreaking and reveals some of the challenges and rewards of helming such a project.

Julia Bradbury, renowned British television presenter and producer, also makes a significant contribution to the film. Her insights, often reflective and thoughtful, aid in unraveling the meta layers of the film. Bradbury elaborates on the unique significance of the Up series not just as entertainment but as a compendium of life lessons across generations.

7 Up & Me also features a host of famous faces who share their memories and opinions about the original series. Each of them discusses the extent to which they have been intrigued, moved, and influenced by the episodes. These guest stars expand on the series' overarching theme of the unpredictability and commonality of the human experience.

However, at the heart of the film, as well as the original documentary series, are the participants themselves. Their muted presence in 7 Up & Me acts as a fulcrum, around which the entire narrative revolves. The film intricately unifies their life stories, their struggles, and triumphs, in a cohesive narrative that balances objectivity and empathy.

The film possesses a rich sense of British culture and history that makes it captivating. It intimately explores five decades of social change in the UK, from the class divisions of the 1960s to the values and lifestyles transformations of the 21st century. The timeline parallels the retrospective journey of the subjects, and by extension, complements Lumley’s reflections on her life and career in a rapidly evolving socioeconomic landscape.

Moreover, 7 Up & Me often dwells in the existential territory, exploring what it’s like to see one's life crystallized and dissected on television for over 50 years; how it affects perceptions of self and others, and what it means for the viewer. Rich, enlightening discussions on privacy, consent, and influence of reality television fill the screen, and the film does a commendable job in striking a balance between being a tribute, biographical sketch, and ethical exploration.

The film pays homage to the original "Up" series not only by commemoratively reflecting on its journey but by illustrating its significant impact on television and society. It lays bare the ways in which the series has touched both its participants and audiences across generations. 7 Up & Me stands as a distinct and deeply insightful introspect into one of the television history’s most innovative endeavors.

In essence, 7 Up & Me is not just a standalone film but a heartfelt ode to the pioneering series. It revisits, critiques, reflects upon, and celebrates the "Up" series in a way that is equally captivating for newcomers and longtime fans alike. The film reaffirms that the series consistently remains a mirror to society, displaying the shared human experience with all its joys, sorrows, dreams, successes, and disappointments.