Long Way Down (2007– )

Two guys take a trip of several months on motorcycles. They travel from the North of Scotland, down through Europe, into Africa, finally winding up in Cape Town, South Africa.

Writers:

David Alexanian (creator), Charley Boorman (creator),

Stars:

Ewan McGregor, Charley Boorman, David Alexanian

Cast

Series cast summary:
Ewan McGregor	...	Himself (6 episodes, 2007)
Charley Boorman	...	Himself (6 episodes, 2007)
David Alexanian	...	Himself (6 episodes, 2007)
Russ Malkin	...	Himself (6 episodes, 2007)
Jimmy Simak	...	Himself (6 episodes, 2007)

Storyline

In a follow-up to the documentary series "Long Way Round", actors and best friends Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman travel from John O'Groats, Scotland down to Cape Town, South Africa on motorcycles. They travel down through Europe and Africa, getting an up-close view of the local cultures. They also stop at various UNICEF projects to offer support and assistance to the children there.

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Plot Keywords:

africa | motorcycle | true life adventure | traveling | tv mini series

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Official Sites:

BBC [uk] Official site

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 June 2008 (Australia)

Also Known As:

Hosszú motorozás lefelé

Filming Locations:

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Company Credits

Production Co:

Big Earth, Elixir Films

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Follows Long Way Round (2004)

User Reviews

not quire there

Watched the whole of LWD on Love film after catching most of it on the TV. I was just left mildly interested, but ultimately uninspired. I still can't quite put my finger on it, other than say to LWD just didn't deliver.

The reasons for this I feel are 1. Six episodes, as opposed to 10 on the extended LWR DVD. So felt rushed, someone said they went though three countries in one hr on one of the episodes? The guy's said they didn't want to be away from their family's for an extended period of time- no problem with this but the schedule compromised the quality of the show. A lot of moaning in particular.

2. Support crew were a main character as much as Charley & Ewan- this of course completely understandable in Africa where they were often in unstable territory, so need to stick together, but from an exploration/enjoyment point of view made it a less appealing show.

3. Ewan's wife, Eve, being a part of the trip- just didn't understand why they allowed a rider with virtually no experience to ride in a really tough environment- also no explanation of when she passed her bike test, we see her doing her CBT & then nothing? It was quite clear that Charley was not in favour, although he cover this well, so as not to upset Ewan. I think most of the crew, other than David Alexanian were think the same thing.

4. Lack of detail- LWR seemed to cover a lot more & seemed more "from scratch" whereas LWD was more corparate & rushed. I don't think the audience cared so much for the characters & where didn't seem t be in so many compromising situations.

I watched Race-to-Dakar as well. Also read the book, and found that more interesting, though not enough to buy it.

LWD did have some good points in it though. Seeing the ferry from Italy to Tunisia, as described in Ted Simon's Juniper's travels was great; seeing how different counties dealt with not having medical care- as we know it; the great work that Unicef do & the history of the conflict that went on- & is still going on in Darfur.

Love watching these guys & hope they take more care with Long Way Up!