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Simon Moore directed this British musical drama. The story follows five friends over a 15-year span. In 1979, students Scott (Adrian Lester), Bryony (Amy Robbins), Angela (Clare Cathcart), Tim (Billy Carter) and Keith (Daniel Ryan), in their last year at the University of Hull form a vocal group directed by Scott. Climbing atop their shared house one day, they team for a greatest-hits medley, delivered a cappella. Heartbroken over Scott, Bryony moves in with her tutor Gavin (Robin Herford), while Scott makes plans for an ascent to fame as a pop star. Facing the uncertain future, the quintet vows to reassemble when they are "halfway through life" -- on July 1, 1994 at the Cote d'Azur villa of Tim's parents. Instead, they're back together in 1985 for Bryony's wedding to Gavin. Scott has failed as a pop performer, Keith runs a chain of gardening shops, Tim is a children's TV personality, and Angela is a waitress who sings professionally. As the years pass and more surprises surface, it becomes evident their lives can never harmonize in a manner as perfect as their music. South African locations substitute for the French Riviera. Music by Alan Parker, with a cappella arrangements by Tot Taylor. More than 20 tunes are featured. Shown at the 1997 London Film Festival, Up on the Roof did not do well in its London opening but bounced back with a highly positive reaction at the 1997 Fort Lauderdale Film Festival.