My Generation [DVD] [2018]

Strange one this - I grew up as a teenager in the 60s so naturally an easy sell to make me watch this DVD but by the end I found it was just an exercise in too many famous names indulging in self promotion.This is not to belittle the ultimate contribution of many of those participating as to what happened in the '60s (I came away feeling Mary Quant and Vidal Sassoon are long overdue for a re-evaluation) but sadly a case of too much backslapping methinks!The concept of the documentary is weird from the start - comedy writers Dick Clement & Ian La Frenais scripted with documentary film maker David Batty who has done several religious films, with Michael Caine as anchor person (a la Alan Whicker format) introducing the film's plan after being endlessly filmed undergoing make up and then we are off.A mix of Caine's pretty well known '60s bio (how he got his surname, his role in Zulu etc.) and then various inter-cuttings from 60s film archives of the identified key players (Mary Quant, Vidal Sassoon, Twiggy, David Bailey, Paul McCartney, Marianne Faithfull, Roger Daltrey) which is when it gets weird. While we get plenty of 60s footage on each of the names interviewed we never with a few exceptions see them in a current time frame. Instead it is historical footage with their current reminiscences through interview by Caine being overlaid on top.To an extent it pretty much goes where you thought it would (drugs, sex (Caine's interview with Faithfull about convent girls tells you more about Caine's '60s obsessions than Faithfull's education) and rock'n'roll (with an incessant 60s soundtrack of well known UK pop standards of the period).Sadly some simply play to form - McCartney garrulous as ever; Caine over naive at moments especially when talking about how his generation told the old order "we're not going away" forgetting he was in his '30s for most of the '60s?; and, the film completely missing that the old order largely self destructed (the Profumo affair & Mary Whitehouse being examples) instead using endless cuts of older people complaining about the younger generation.An entertaining trip down memory lane but lacking in insight or analysis ultimately!

This is probably the best documentary on the 60's I've seen. It took six years to put this together, with Michael Caine talking about his life and how he got into movies. He also chats to people like Twiggy, Paul McCartney, David Bailey and others about their time in the 60's..It covers everything from movies,fashion, music and even political issues.A great dvd if you're a fan of the 60's or want learn about that incredible decade, the I would recommend it.

Best documentary about that specific era, with all the main contributors to that revolution. A wonderful ode to fighting for freedom and breaking a stiffling moral rulebook. Congratulations to Michael Caine and all of his friends who made this dream come true! It is a priceless and universal message of hope for every teenager out there!

I loved Michael Caine’s commentary with this documemory feast. The film recaptured all that I recall of the era when the youth rebelled against the ‘Old Fogey’ establishment with its clothes, music, art, literature etc. I think this film is a real must to remind us all of how much we should allow the youth of today the freedom to express themselves and rebel against establishment; particularly when the current establishment was the youth of their day and had it so good!

What a fabulous record of times gone by. Michael Caine is a hero and this biopic (if that's what it is) is a credit to him, and all that put it together. It really captured the essence of the 60's and made me smile. Wonderful soundtracks all the way through and loved the shots of Michael and others when they were younger, but narrative in present day, clever! I probably will by this in hard copy to keep as a souvenir. Wonderful

Most of this was shot in the 60s and features and is narrated by Michael Caine or "young Micklewhite" as he is called by an old neighbour. It leaps back and forth between the sixties and present day. It really is a great documentary on those very troubled and changing times. Featuring many of the key people of the time like David Bailey and Twiggy. Michael Caine is brilliant throughout.

A varied and sometimes humorous look at the importance of the Sixties at beginning to bring about some changes to British society. As usual with this subject, too much concentration on London, where "The Swinging Sixties" was most prevalent. Presented by Michael Caine, himself a Londoner and unable to look outside that enclave to the rest of the country. Also too many clips from his films,, so a lot of self-promotion and stories that he has told many times. Still, an entertaining film, particularly when they play some of the great rock music of that period.

Michael Caine's way of laying out the 60s, the decade where it all changed in so many ways, for so many, is unique and personal and highly entertaining. Read this and see what it was really all about. Whether you lived through it, or want to hear from someone who did, this is a great read.