Neil needs to find a good woman to be his wife. As God said in the Garden, pre-Fall, "It is not good for man to be alone." Unfortunately, since Neil is an intelligent and introspective soul, it will be difficult to find the rare woman who could relate to him. His best bet would be something like eHarmony. Wish you the best, Neil!
I'm happy neil got his life together. For some time he seemed like he was headed for disaster. He was homeless for quite awhile and was barely making it by. Great for him and good luck to him.
It is clear though that all the stress and his life for those years has taken a toll physically on him but his spirits and drive are still great. Good for him. Just goes to show you that anything can happer
I think it is a beautiful story about just how possible change is and how one never knows what life will bring. I also think Bruce is an absolute hero!! It's amazing what a little kindness will do.
He was elected to Council in Hackney (and running in Cumbria in 49 Up). Yes, the local government "let a homeless man run for council" (???). They'd probably let you run too if you were interested. I don't think he was homeless at the time. He was living with Bruce for some time and then had a flat. I think his story demonstrates what is possible when kindness (Bruce's) and proper treatment (rather than weird fear and misunderstanding) is given to the mentally ill and/or homeless.
How did Neil go from homeless to politics? Did he go to school? The local government just let a homeless man run for counsel? Can someone fill in this gap for me?!
... Neil was my favourite participant in this documentry series. I always felt that it was Neil's intelligence combined with an acute sensitivity that was a curse for him as he grew older. I feel that perhaps Neil felt utterly alienated by the world, as it seems he could never relate to the world around him who largely don't care about anyone or anything - but themselves. I think he has come along way and managed to make some sense of the human race, by acceptance and a fair bit of tenacity.
@AnnArckey and there´s key information we lack, like what happened at his home as a child... his parents, etc. I bet he had a horrible experience there.
@ronpaulspanish ... true, although it did seem quite clear that Neil was put under immense pressure during his childhood with regard to his education. It's too complicated a situation to express in a few lines on a comments page - but I would imagine those formative years pushed him in a way that was completely unsuitable for his personality type. Neil's later interviews were optimistic and reminds the viewer to stop and consider our human sensitivities.
i have watched 100s of you tube clips and this is the only time i have felt compelled to comment. i signed up just so i could share my feelings about neil. he looks so much better!! watching his interviews in 28 and 35 up, i could feel my heart breaking for him. his suffering was so instense. this piece of neil at 49 is wonderful to see. i sincerely hope that he is at peace with himself and is able to find some happiness in his daily life. i have alot of compassion for him.
Among the 7 year olds, Neil and Charles were my absolute favorites. Charles unfortunately declined to continue with this project, which was puzzling to me, considering that he himself is a documentary filmmaker. But Neil is just a shining beacon. His beautiful nature shone through the increasingly difficult conditions he inhabited each time he was interviewed. And it was such a relief to see him finally thriving. My heart ached for him, and my spirit pulled for him during every new episode.
I haven't read anything to suggest that the series is ending. However, the last one went out in 2005 and one or two of the participants suggested then that that would be their last appearnace. Two of the original cast have already left and if there was anymore withdrawals the producers might decide to bring down the curtain on what has been a fascinating experiment. The participants are afterall now in their 50's.
I know he would love his own sustainable home in preference to the tiny damp council flat he has lived in now for several years. He is not restless as he enjoys the area
in which he lives. i just wish he could be blessed by the show. It is not a doco in africa where the deer is left as we watch it devoured. Or is it? Please Michael Apted rethink your priorities, Neil has done enough.
I really hope that the maker's of this film will give up on this 'fly on the wall' documentary and give Neil a proper pay out. I know the makers have made loads of moolah from this doco' and I feel that it is unjust that Neil is the one most of us want to see and yet he still lives on the poverty line. I wish they could help him get a house of his choice in the area he likes now. The documentary has impacted him in a negative way but if enough people agreed, we could all write to Michael Apted
That is not how doco's are made. The film maker cannot interfere with what they are filming. If so, nature documentaries would have people charging in to save the zebra from the lion. I know it's harsh - and I do know where you are coming from - but remember, millions of people watched this series - THEY could donate to Neil - but have you thought he does not want help.
Neil's story more than anyones has always saddened and inspired me since I first seen 28 up. I'm glad he's appears to have found some peace. Since a child he has always appeared a person of integrity. He is not a prat. They are very, very easy to spot....P.S. being a teacher does not equate to a career n politics
God forgive you for saying that. I just hope you don't ever have to deal with a mental illness like that which afflicted Neil. Although, by the sound of your comment you might already be suffering from one.
Fair enough - but there are people who are mentally disabled working, making a little bit of money, living so their life is normal. Neil is not 'that' 'gone' to go work in a park or cleaning public toilets. Thing is he is what I call a lost soul. I do sympathize - but as humans we MUST help ourselves and battle the odds. Religion has nothing to do with it, and once people lose the god idea - this world might be a better place. I do not see the church helping the poor man! Funny that.
You cannot judge the extent of another person's mental illness by simply looking at them. You have no idea of the level of depression, anxiety, fear, shame etc Neil may be experiencing. Perhaps he is so disabled that he cannot hold down a job. For some sufferers simply getting out of bed, cooking and washing themselves is an ordeal. As I get older the more I realise that everyone is doing the best they can with the knowledge and resources they have at that point.
My brother suffers from mental illness - so go get stuffed. Just because my opinion is harsh - maybe that comes from a personal issue. Ever thought of that?
I noticed the contrast, too. But even in adolescence, Neil had gone rather introspective. I think he's done an admirable job of navigating life on his own terms and managing his illness. I have always been riveted by his story and have felt great sympathy and admiration for him.
Neil doesn't have an illness. Neil was pushed too hard academically by his parents when he was in his early teens. He refers to this pointedly in earlier episodes. He internalised the pressure that was placed on him with disastrous results. Neil is a very intelligent and talented human being.
neil's story is quite amazing, its funny how out of all of them he was the one that i could relate to. I really love the butterfly quote towards the end of the movie. AMAZING!
My mum told me about this film, and she said neils story would make me cry. She was right. I'm glad the story had a happy ending though, good on ya neil.
I think Neils downfall was being a product of the Thatcher years, IMHO I am more than delighted he came through the hard times !Well Done Sir ,from a fellow scouser .
im 35 up at the moment, sat in a layby while life thunders past in the fast lane. this film gives me hope. thank you. its a long long journey for us all.
I identify with Neil a lot too - life is full of ups and downs, but if you honor your imagination, and have a stubborn streak, insurrmountable odds have a way of crumbling under your feet. Keep the faith.
I think he's saying that the Neil at 7 yrs old is totally unrecognisable as a person from the man he became. If you see him at 14 and 21 you can see the seeds being sown.
That's a good observation. He was the happiest and most carefree 7 year old, but the saddest, in its traditional sense, adult. I wonder if their lives would have turned out the same if they hadn't been in this programme.I guess we'll never know.
Thanks. Just to clarify for people who haven't seen the entire movie, I was referring to the Jesuit saying, "Give me the child until he is seven and I will give you the man." They quote that in the movie and in the description for this YouTube video.
I don't know. I was watching the 35 year old Neil on camera and I could clearly identify the 7 year old Neil's shining eyes. It's all there, just buried under layers of life-strife.
you go, neil! you da man!
unclejohnthezef 4 months ago
Neil <3
nordhavn62 6 months ago
was always the one who stood out. viva neil, a truly good man
iamatwat 7 months ago
When I looked at the first three series Neil was the one I saw myself in the most. I really wish he was less lost.
PrivateAckbar 9 months ago
cunts
b4con94 9 months ago
Neil is - in some ways - more of a success than others in the series who are considered well off..
retroclipps 9 months ago
Neil looks just like Anthony Perkins (he of 'Psycho' fame) :D - and well done for his achievements :)
Edam3000 9 months ago
Neil needs to find a good woman to be his wife. As God said in the Garden, pre-Fall, "It is not good for man to be alone." Unfortunately, since Neil is an intelligent and introspective soul, it will be difficult to find the rare woman who could relate to him. His best bet would be something like eHarmony. Wish you the best, Neil!
phantominca 10 months ago
When he was 7, Neil wanted to be a tour guide, so he could lead and instruct people.
It's kind of poignant that, even though he's had his troubles; he's found his way into politics to do just that.
I think it's a deeply meaningful and inspiring illustration of the quote that started this series. I love these movies.
kevinsmellls 10 months ago
I'm happy neil got his life together. For some time he seemed like he was headed for disaster. He was homeless for quite awhile and was barely making it by. Great for him and good luck to him.
It is clear though that all the stress and his life for those years has taken a toll physically on him but his spirits and drive are still great. Good for him. Just goes to show you that anything can happer
johnmcll9 10 months ago
I think it is a beautiful story about just how possible change is and how one never knows what life will bring. I also think Bruce is an absolute hero!! It's amazing what a little kindness will do.
Wen1515 1 year ago 3
He was elected to Council in Hackney (and running in Cumbria in 49 Up). Yes, the local government "let a homeless man run for council" (???). They'd probably let you run too if you were interested. I don't think he was homeless at the time. He was living with Bruce for some time and then had a flat. I think his story demonstrates what is possible when kindness (Bruce's) and proper treatment (rather than weird fear and misunderstanding) is given to the mentally ill and/or homeless.
Wen1515 1 year ago 2
How did Neil go from homeless to politics? Did he go to school? The local government just let a homeless man run for counsel? Can someone fill in this gap for me?!
Themadrevolution 1 year ago
Neil's realism and optimism grab your heart!
Milomaine 1 year ago
"I'm doing my best" - ***Shivers-up-spine*** Awesome, Neil.
wattster32 1 year ago 3
Neil is one of the most beautiful people I have ever seen.
Zenb0nes 1 year ago 7
Go Lib Dems!
ImAMassiveBender 1 year ago
... Neil was my favourite participant in this documentry series. I always felt that it was Neil's intelligence combined with an acute sensitivity that was a curse for him as he grew older. I feel that perhaps Neil felt utterly alienated by the world, as it seems he could never relate to the world around him who largely don't care about anyone or anything - but themselves. I think he has come along way and managed to make some sense of the human race, by acceptance and a fair bit of tenacity.
AnnArckey 1 year ago 32
@AnnArckey and there´s key information we lack, like what happened at his home as a child... his parents, etc. I bet he had a horrible experience there.
ronpaulspanish 1 year ago
@ronpaulspanish ... true, although it did seem quite clear that Neil was put under immense pressure during his childhood with regard to his education. It's too complicated a situation to express in a few lines on a comments page - but I would imagine those formative years pushed him in a way that was completely unsuitable for his personality type. Neil's later interviews were optimistic and reminds the viewer to stop and consider our human sensitivities.
AnnArckey 1 year ago 3
i have watched 100s of you tube clips and this is the only time i have felt compelled to comment. i signed up just so i could share my feelings about neil. he looks so much better!! watching his interviews in 28 and 35 up, i could feel my heart breaking for him. his suffering was so instense. this piece of neil at 49 is wonderful to see. i sincerely hope that he is at peace with himself and is able to find some happiness in his daily life. i have alot of compassion for him.
iceboxalley 1 year ago 10
GOOD ON YOU NEIL
ceekar 2 years ago 6
The strength of 49 Up, is the way in which it presents a look at a cross-section of human lives....my friend found this movie streaming at
EasyMediaClick (dot) com
melissaricks879 2 years ago
Neil you are the love of my life!
sashonska 2 years ago
even he had a diaster life in the past, he will get well for the rest...
ainojonai 2 years ago
Among the 7 year olds, Neil and Charles were my absolute favorites. Charles unfortunately declined to continue with this project, which was puzzling to me, considering that he himself is a documentary filmmaker. But Neil is just a shining beacon. His beautiful nature shone through the increasingly difficult conditions he inhabited each time he was interviewed. And it was such a relief to see him finally thriving. My heart ached for him, and my spirit pulled for him during every new episode.
foreside 2 years ago 3
he's handsome
ainojonai 2 years ago
2:02 just tears my heart out. I'm glad he turned it around! Good on him! Inspirational!
kirk7524875248 2 years ago
have you heard there doing another installment of the up series
No1pearljamfan 2 years ago
I haven't read anything to suggest that the series is ending. However, the last one went out in 2005 and one or two of the participants suggested then that that would be their last appearnace. Two of the original cast have already left and if there was anymore withdrawals the producers might decide to bring down the curtain on what has been a fascinating experiment. The participants are afterall now in their 50's.
OutOnBailNow 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I know he would love his own sustainable home in preference to the tiny damp council flat he has lived in now for several years. He is not restless as he enjoys the area
in which he lives. i just wish he could be blessed by the show. It is not a doco in africa where the deer is left as we watch it devoured. Or is it? Please Michael Apted rethink your priorities, Neil has done enough.
shiksa100 2 years ago
I really hope that the maker's of this film will give up on this 'fly on the wall' documentary and give Neil a proper pay out. I know the makers have made loads of moolah from this doco' and I feel that it is unjust that Neil is the one most of us want to see and yet he still lives on the poverty line. I wish they could help him get a house of his choice in the area he likes now. The documentary has impacted him in a negative way but if enough people agreed, we could all write to Michael Apted
shiksa100 2 years ago 3
That is not how doco's are made. The film maker cannot interfere with what they are filming. If so, nature documentaries would have people charging in to save the zebra from the lion. I know it's harsh - and I do know where you are coming from - but remember, millions of people watched this series - THEY could donate to Neil - but have you thought he does not want help.
Lillyvon 2 years ago 3
I was born & raised poor in the UK & have "grown up" with this series. I'm only slightly embarassed to say this series makes me cry like a baby...
iflyc130 2 years ago 6
Neil's story more than anyones has always saddened and inspired me since I first seen 28 up. I'm glad he's appears to have found some peace. Since a child he has always appeared a person of integrity. He is not a prat. They are very, very easy to spot....P.S. being a teacher does not equate to a career n politics
Naoisevl 3 years ago 4
This comment has received too many negative votes show
He's such a prat that a career in politics probably the Labour party or a teacher would be perfect for a cunt such a he
Anglichanen 3 years ago
God forgive you for saying that. I just hope you don't ever have to deal with a mental illness like that which afflicted Neil. Although, by the sound of your comment you might already be suffering from one.
OutOnBailNow 2 years ago 4
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Dont talk to me about the god shit talk ok! Wankers like you are rife amoungst your kin!
Anglichanen 2 years ago
Comment removed
OutOnBailNow 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
No its because you are out on bail and should be locked up with all the other religeous morons. That would be tax money well spent
Anglichanen 2 years ago
Fair enough - but there are people who are mentally disabled working, making a little bit of money, living so their life is normal. Neil is not 'that' 'gone' to go work in a park or cleaning public toilets. Thing is he is what I call a lost soul. I do sympathize - but as humans we MUST help ourselves and battle the odds. Religion has nothing to do with it, and once people lose the god idea - this world might be a better place. I do not see the church helping the poor man! Funny that.
Lillyvon 2 years ago
You cannot judge the extent of another person's mental illness by simply looking at them. You have no idea of the level of depression, anxiety, fear, shame etc Neil may be experiencing. Perhaps he is so disabled that he cannot hold down a job. For some sufferers simply getting out of bed, cooking and washing themselves is an ordeal. As I get older the more I realise that everyone is doing the best they can with the knowledge and resources they have at that point.
OutOnBailNow 2 years ago 7
Fair enough - point taken. But I have a relative that is mentally ill. The frustration is beyond belief. Please try and understand my situation.
Lillyvon 2 years ago 3
You've a good heart.
kirk7524875248 2 years ago 4
My brother suffers from mental illness - so go get stuffed. Just because my opinion is harsh - maybe that comes from a personal issue. Ever thought of that?
Lillyvon 2 years ago
@Anglichanen if he is a cunt your a fucking twat !!!
transitcoffin 1 year ago
I was surprised Neil's life took the course it did...he seemed to be the happiest of all the children in the beginning.
symphonie07 3 years ago 6
I noticed the contrast, too. But even in adolescence, Neil had gone rather introspective. I think he's done an admirable job of navigating life on his own terms and managing his illness. I have always been riveted by his story and have felt great sympathy and admiration for him.
AllErikaEclectica 2 years ago 8
Neil doesn't have an illness. Neil was pushed too hard academically by his parents when he was in his early teens. He refers to this pointedly in earlier episodes. He internalised the pressure that was placed on him with disastrous results. Neil is a very intelligent and talented human being.
andymack12 2 years ago 3
Yes, he certainly is. I admire him very much.
AllErikaEclectica 2 years ago
neil's story is quite amazing, its funny how out of all of them he was the one that i could relate to. I really love the butterfly quote towards the end of the movie. AMAZING!
punkass23 3 years ago 4
This is in response to punkass23. YES, YES, YES, concerning his reflection on the butterfly. I admire Neil very much.
aesthetic1950 2 years ago 3
My mum told me about this film, and she said neils story would make me cry. She was right. I'm glad the story had a happy ending though, good on ya neil.
ShellxLuvzxBrandon 3 years ago 2
I think Neils downfall was being a product of the Thatcher years, IMHO I am more than delighted he came through the hard times !Well Done Sir ,from a fellow scouser .
snaed27 4 years ago
ya ya ya....typical Liverpudlian: everything's the fault of "them there posh Southerners and that Thatcher"
charliesmilton 3 years ago
@charliesmilton hey margaret thatcher was a good woman when she was in power
transitcoffin 1 year ago
Comment removed
OutOnBailNow 2 years ago
im 35 up at the moment, sat in a layby while life thunders past in the fast lane. this film gives me hope. thank you. its a long long journey for us all.
waderm810 4 years ago 7
I identify with Neil a lot too - life is full of ups and downs, but if you honor your imagination, and have a stubborn streak, insurrmountable odds have a way of crumbling under your feet. Keep the faith.
hollywoodartchick 3 years ago 4
neil- thank you..
coffeescup 4 years ago 3
This story is a great reminder not to give up, there is always hope that life can get better no matter what your situation is.
bwalsh1 4 years ago 20
I think he's the more interesting character because he wasn't as predictable as the others.
arvp7 4 years ago 4
Oh, man. Neil breaks my heart. Every time.
paulanomi 4 years ago 5
I couldn stand lving at a country side
katypage1992 4 years ago
wow. amazing how he's turned his life around.
jonnyhk 4 years ago 2
my hero
lexipea 4 years ago
Google search "50 up and feeling positive" for latest update.
hauntboy 4 years ago 3
Yes there are a few online interviews with Neil Hughes but I don't think they offer much additional insight to his character.
OutOnBailNow 2 years ago
wow
artelevisual 5 years ago 3
The thing about Neil is that it wasn't the 7 year old who gave us a glimpse of the man, it was the 14 year old (and more so, the 21 year old).
56kmodem 5 years ago 4
i dont understand that?
katypage1992 4 years ago
I think he's saying that the Neil at 7 yrs old is totally unrecognisable as a person from the man he became. If you see him at 14 and 21 you can see the seeds being sown.
hauntboy 4 years ago 4
That's a good observation. He was the happiest and most carefree 7 year old, but the saddest, in its traditional sense, adult. I wonder if their lives would have turned out the same if they hadn't been in this programme.I guess we'll never know.
hauntboy 4 years ago
Thanks. Just to clarify for people who haven't seen the entire movie, I was referring to the Jesuit saying, "Give me the child until he is seven and I will give you the man." They quote that in the movie and in the description for this YouTube video.
56kmodem 4 years ago
I don't know. I was watching the 35 year old Neil on camera and I could clearly identify the 7 year old Neil's shining eyes. It's all there, just buried under layers of life-strife.
foreside 2 years ago 3
This series was brilliant. Neil remains my favourite.
esmak70 5 years ago 3
I can't ever find the American Version again!
JuliusGray 4 years ago