"Long Way Down" (2007) TV mini-series

User Rating:

8.5/10   

Creators:

David Alexanian
Charley Boorman
Russ Malkin

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

5 June 2008 (Australia)

Genre:

Documentary

Plot:

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.

Plot Keywords:

Africa | Motorcycle | True Life Adventure | Traveling | TV Mini-Series

Cast

Ewan McGregor	...	Himself (6 episodes, 2007)
Charley Boorman	...	Himself (6 episodes, 2007)
David Alexanian	...	Himself (6 episodes, 2007)
Russ Malkin	...	Himself (6 episodes, 2007)
James Simak	...	Himself (6 episodes, 2007)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Australia:M | Singapore:PG

Filming Locations:

Cape Town, South Africa

Company:

Big Earth

Movie Connections:

Follows "Long Way Round" (2004)

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!