Long Way Round (2004)

Lack of good storyline.

Disturbing yet enthralling

It isn't all that great, actually. Really cheesy and very predicable of how certain scenes are gonna turn play out. However, I guess that's the charm of it all, because I would consider this one of my guilty pleasures.

This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama

I loved Long Way Round for MANY reasons. But possibly the most compelling element, surprisingly, had little to do with travel... it is the genuine affection and friendship shared by these two guys. I've had many good friends during my wonderful life... but nothing like what these two have. They truly care about each other and have a fantastic time hanging out, and giving each other hell, of course.The video diaries were exceptionally good - they dealt with feelings of insecurity, depression, irritation, worry, fear, and fatigue. I watched many scenes twice and destroyed an entire weekend watching the whole series non stop.

I did not see this broadcast on television as it was on a Sky channel, and again on the BBC, I watched it on DVD, and it is one of the most engaging documentary series ever made. The programme documents the 19,000-mile (31,000 km) journey of actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman as they ride their BMW motorcycles from London to New York, travelling eastwards through Europe and Asia, flying to Alaska and riding the rest of the way. With the support of their crew in four-by-fours, director/producers David Alexanian and Russ Malkin, and cameramen James Simak and Claudio Von Planta, the boys travelled through the UK, France, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, the USA and Canada, ending in New York. Through the ten part series you saw their struggles, success and exploration of each place they were in, for them, it was not just an experience travelling the world and riding bikes, it was for their families. With a fantastic title song by Kelly Jones, lead singer of the Stereophonics. It was number 76 on The 100 Greatest TV Treats 2004. Very good!

A marvellous journey for the audience. This is an addictive series that makes you want to watch the next episode without regard for time. This is a real journey for both men, and of course the crew that travelled with them. Marvel at the European red tape and then the utter desolation of the "Road of Bones". This will touch you as you see them all coping with potentially fatal accidents so far from home, missing family and friends but never giving up when the roads seem to have disappeared giving them no way of moving on. Breath-taking scenery, harsh weather and injuries all add to this heady adventure. I can honestly say, that though the journey was rough, especially through far eastern Russia, and I do not know anyone on this challenging adventure, I feel proud that they succeeded and grateful that I was able to watch this through their eyes.

When I've seen it first on Viasat Explorer, I was stunned!!!! The great show especially the moments at Russia and Mongolia where the crew meet most of the difficulties on the long way round. Warm and sensitive, the show here touches you even if you are not a bike person.(And now I replay the tape over and over again!) I was crying in tears watching most of the episodes 'cause this show is not like any other show, this is the real thing! Emotions, drama, excitement, homesickness,... from the bottom of their hearts.If you haven't seen this series.... YOU JUST HAVE TO! (sorry for my poor English,..... and all the best to all the crew of the Long Way Round !!!! especially Ewan, Charlie and Claudio )