I've really enjoyed the "up" series which documents on film the "real life" circumstances of regular people at 7 year intervals. It's a great peek into the human condition over time. What a fine use of recording media so recently invented (relative to humankind's existence).

The original "up" series was shot in England, but this version (which was "inspired by" the first) takes place in South Africa. A group of 8 or so kids are picked to be followed from various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds (rich, poor, black, white, and mixed race). Since the programs duration includes the break up of the apartheid, it shouldn't be surprising that race plays a big role in the lives of all involved -- but it is none the less unsettling anyway (at least for me).

You'll find yourself completely engrossed and wrapped up in the lives of these strangers half the planet away. And as with other installments of the series, you'll hope to glean some sort of wisdom or at least a little insight into your own life. With so much information coming at us from all channels, it's odd, but we often forget about our own progress, development as humans worthy of our time on Earth.

Check out also: 49 Up.

-- Books by Author/Illustrator Ross Anthony --