Long way round

Media Studies- Film Or TV Series

Name: Long Way Round (TV series)

Featuring: Charlie Boorman, Ewan McGregor, Russ Malkin, and David Alexanian.

Overview: 2 men.....2 Bikes.....20,000 miles. Setting off from Bulmer Street, London and arriving 115 days later in New York. The two would cover some of the most treacherous terrain that would push them and their bikes to the limit. Crossing over into mainland Europe, they rode through France, Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Siberia, Alaska, Canada and finally New York where the adventure ends. Throughout their journey they meet different people from different cultures, status and upbringing. During the journey the two and support team (two camera men, doctor, fixer and two producers) have to overcome major hurdles. For example, crossing rivers on the bikes and rebuilding some of the Road of Bones in Siberia.

Classic Moment: For me, the whole series is a classic, but if I had to pick a moment it would be when they had to get the two 4x4’s and another Russian vehicle over a river on the Road of Bones. Calling it a river is somewhat of an understatement as the sheer force of the water almost overturned a ton and a half of filled 4x4’s. This 20 minute drama kept you gripped with your heart pumping, with almost a sense on satisfaction when they finally reached the other side. (which is of course why the producer(s) used this scene.)

Classic Line: “You know Ewan McGregor’s going round the world on a bike like that” – Other bike rider to Ewan at a traffic light.

My Opinion: For me, this is what inspired me to go travelling on my gap year. The way the two explore different corners of the globe, really opens your eyes to the world outside Berkhamsted! It also shows parts of the world that you would never have seen before such as some parts of Mongolia. There are two main factors that made this programme special. Firstly, the relationship between Boorman and McGregor. We saw the ups and downs of the trip that took its toll on their relationship; this gave the series a story within a story. Secondly, is the fact they were on motorbikes rather than cars. This meant that the two were exposed to all the elements so people could relate and identify what the two were going through.