Documentary

63 Up (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Name: 63 Up
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2019-11-27
Duration: 3 h
Cast: Susan Sullivan, Tony Walker, Lynn Johnson, Bruce Balden, Jacqueline Bassett

63 Up is a 2019 documentary directed by Michael Apted, starring Susan Sullivan, Tony Walker and Lynn Johnson. It runs 3 hours and earned $483,684 worldwide. Critics gave it 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and 89 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 8.2/10.

IMDb rating: 8.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
worldwide gross: $483.7K
Echo Score: 80

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Watch the trailer

Released: November 27, 2019
Runtime: 3h (180 min)
Director: Michael Apted
Genre: Documentary
Original language: English
After the credits: No No extra scene

The story

What Is 63 Up About?

The premise of 63 Up without spoilers.

This documentary series revisits a group of British individuals every seven years, beginning when they were just seven years old. Over two decades, the film chronicles their personal growth, exploring their families, careers, and relationships as they navigate life's challenges and celebrate its joys. Through candid interviews, the subjects offer a unique and insightful look at the passage of time and the complexities of human experience.

63 Up Themes & Keywords

· 12 tags

63 year old
aging
death of cast member
class differences
sixty something
class difference
england
family relationships
tv mini series
cancer
illness
death

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Cast & crew

63 Up Cast

Susan Sullivan leads the cast, with Tony Walker and Lynn Johnson. Directed by Michael Apted; 12 actors are credited in all.

Director Michael Apted

Susan Sullivan as themselves
Tony Walker as themselves
Lynn Johnson as themselves
Bruce Balden as themselves

Also Starring in 63 Up

· 8 more

Jacqueline Bassett Themselves
John Brisby Themselves
Neil Hughes Themselves
Nicholas Hitchon Themselves
Suzanne Dewey Themselves
Andrew Brackfield Themselves
Charles Furneaux Themselves
Peter Davies Themselves

Ratings

63 Up Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave 63 Up 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and 89 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 8.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in sensory experience (65).

80 /100

63 Up Echo Score Breakdown

63 Up offers a reflective continuation of a long-term documentary series, emphasizing the participants’ evolving lives with introspective depth. Critics highlight its enveloping nature and universal themes, noting the interplay of enduring friendships and life’s later stages. While some observers find standalone viewing less engaging, the cumulative context grants immediacy and resonance to each update. The film’s structure as part of the larger project consistently prompts viewers to consider their own passage of time. Overall, 63 Up succeeds as a thoughtful and immersive time-lapse study of human experience.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

Art & Craft 75

In terms of art and craft, the film employs a restrained visual approach that reflects the series’ continuity. The subdued camerawork and editing maintain a uniform aesthetic, allowing focus on personal narratives. Production design remains minimal, rooted in the participants’ real environments without embellishment. This measured presentation supports the film’s contemplative tone while preserving its documentary authenticity.
Character & Emotion 90

When it comes to character and emotion, 63 Up excels in capturing the genuine depth of its subjects. Interviews reveal long-standing bonds and personal vulnerabilities, such as enduring friendships and reflections on aging. The participants’ candid discussions of career, relationships, and health foster emotional resonance. This nuanced portrayal invites viewers to connect empathetically with each individual’s life journey.
Story & Flow 70

In terms of story and flow, the installment maintains a steady, episodic rhythm consistent with the series’ structure. The pacing is deliberate, with each segment offering updates on different participants. While some moments may feel uneventful in isolation, the broader context imbues each narrative turn with meaning. This approach balances coherence with longitudinal engagement, sustaining interest through unfolding life arcs.
Sensory Experience 65

When it comes to sensory experience, the documentary favors an understated audio-visual style. The soundtrack is sparse, often limited to ambient sounds and brief musical cues that underscore reflective moments. Visual framing emphasizes natural light and familiar settings, reinforcing an observational mood. This minimalist sensory design aligns with the film’s focus on real-life progression rather than theatrical flourish.
Rewatch Factor 90

In terms of rewatch factor, 63 Up rewards repeated viewings mainly for its long-term perspective. Returning to earlier installments enriches the understanding of each participant’s arc, enhancing emotional payoff. The film’s enduring appeal lies in revisiting evolving relationships and personal milestones. While standalone viewing offers insight, the full longitudinal impact is best appreciated through repeated engagement with the entire series.