Michael Apted's 56 Up (2012) documents the mellow maturity of a group of people who have endured the camera's pry since the age of 7. In interviews, they don't always accept Apted's questions and indeed challenge the premise of the entire series. These moments of conflict provide the only real dramatic tension in the film. Tony, for example, rejects Apted's suggestion that he is a racist. Yet the overall mood, despite Apted's occasional goads, is one of satisfaction. Images of growing families invade most of the character's segments. Above: Paul with grandchildren, Jackie with son and granddaughter, Symon (right) with some of his former foster kids, and Lynn (left) with daughters and grands. Neil's continued solitude is a welcome contrast.
