Long Way Down & Long Way Round Complete Series

Long Way Down and Long Way Round Complete Series is a compelling adventure documentary series originating from 2004. This unique television experience is the brainchild of Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, two friends and actors who share an irresistible passion for motorbike travel. The series is split into two parts under the umbrella title, Long Way Down and Long Way Round, offering an intimate view of different parts of the world, from the perspective of two motorcycle enthusiasts embarking on a journey to satisfy their wanderlust.

The Long Way Round is the first part of this series. It sees Ewan McGregor, famously known for roles in Hollywood blockbusters like Trainspotting and Star Wars, join his best friend, Charley Boorman, an esteemed actor and travel writer, as they embark on a life-changing journey traversing the globe. Their journey commences from London, progressing eastwards, traversing Europe, and then venturing into the remote areas of Mongolia and Siberia. The adventurous pair then cross the Pacific Ocean to Alaska and finally conquer the wilderness expanse of Canada and America, ending their journey in New York. The multi-continent voyage is completed solely on motorbikes, and the cameras capture their grueling and thrilling experiences, while providing viewers a glimpse into the vast and diverse cultures, landscape, and challenges encountered along the route.

On the Long Way Down, McGregor and Boorman head in a completely different direction. This time, their destination is the African continent, allowing viewers to witness the spellbinding scenic beauty, diverse cultures, and hitherto unknown aspects of this part of the world. They start in Scotland, progress through Western Europe, and then venture into the rich landscapes of Africa, commencing from Tunisia and going all the way down to the southern tip of the continent in Cape Town, South Africa. This journey represents another gripping experience, laden with local encounters, mechanical quandaries, and unforeseen obstacles, all endured and overcome from the seat of a motorbike.

Across both these series, the viewer is provided a ringside view of the challenges and triumphs of taking such an audacious journey. The show wonderfully combines the elements of travel, culture, friendship, and adventure, magnifying its essence through the exhilarating viewpoint of two motorbikes on uncharted terrain. With the entire globe as their backdrop, McGregor and Boorman encounter myriad situations full of tension, laughter, and wonder, imparting a genuine and down-to-earth vibe throughout.

What sets Long Way Down and Long Way Round Complete Series apart from other travel-based documentaries is the authentic representation of the journeys. Clear of any scripted drama, the series accurately portrays the duo's experiences, mishaps, and occasional tensions, along with their camaraderie and shared passion for adventure. In each episode, the viewer experiences not only the arduous journey, but also the remarkable landscapes, the moments of astonishment at the beauty of nature, and the genuine human encounters that the duo share on their path enlightening in terms of cultural perspectives as they interact with local people on the way.

Furthermore, the use of lightweight cameras attached to their helmets, bikes, and support vehicles helps provide an immersive view of the whole journey from their perspective. It provides a raw, unfiltered look into their adventure, offering viewers a realistic and intimate perspective of their ultimate road trip.

In the end, the Long Way Down and Long Way Round Complete Series is more than just a travel documentary. It serves as a deeply personal journal of two friends who dare to traverse the world on their motorbikes, capturing every high and low of their journey together. It's an absorbing blend of adventure, friendship, and discovery that is bound to captivate anyone with a wanderlust spirit and leave a lasting impression. It's an unforgettable visual memoir that portrays the world from the road, beautifully unraveling the journey, which in itself is the destination.