Up, Up and Away: 'Born In The USSR'

Eipper compares the British TV series '7 up' to a similar series, 'Born in the USSR.' He points out the worldwide fascination with the '7 Up' phenomenon, noting that equivalent programs have been produced in countries such as South Africa, the USA and Japan. 'Too much is too poignant–which, ironically, is why we can't help crying out for more. The wonderful use of Russian music (Prokofiev especially, in the second film) intensifies the effect, yet these children are already so articulate, so lyrical and so sad. Anastasia at seven can even say "Let everyone live in peace, let all things grow and be beautiful. Let there be no uprisings and no curfew. Let there be lots of beautiful white hens."'