"One Crazy Ride - A Recommendation

I don't usually do movie reviews or make recommendations as to spending your money, but I am now. I watched this movie and was so taken with it that I'd like to recommend you do the same.

This is a very sweet and funny movie, which I have subtitled "Fools Rush In Where Angels Fear To Tread". Even if you don't particularly care about motorcycles, the film is more about the human spirit that makes people do oddball "crazy" shit in search of adventure than it is about motorcycles. Watch Our Heroes contend with nearly unnavigable roads, flat tires and breakdowns, and the drunk tribal lady and equally inebriated Chinese-appointed very-large-knife-equipped mayor of a village. Also with crossing several rivers including the Brahmaputra and a gorge crossing that made me cringe. There's one grisly scene of some locals convincing a pig to be dinner, though it's nothing compared to autopsy scenes on NCIS.

Also see them being congratulated for being Indians instead of Pakistanis who "come to town and blow things up".

The film is mostly in English and Mr. Jani has come a long way since Riding Solo as far as subtitles, but if you are comfortable with Hindi and northeastern Indian tribal dialects, you needn't bother selecting 'subtitles' off the menu.

Since your local video rental store's copy will probably be out, you can order the DVD from Dirt Track Productions. In Rupees if you are so inclined, but they take US dollars, believe it or not! The DVD will come from India in the nicest packaging I've ever seen. I had to go the post office counter and sign for it, probably some Homeland Security deal from bureaucrats who can't tell friend from foe and all brown people look alike anyway and are probably up to no good.

A motorcycle expedition on uncharted roads across the Himalayan state of Arunachal Pradesh, situated in North-east India, but more than an expedition, it's a film about friendship, camaraderie and the "never say die" attitude of five motorcyclists in the face of unforgiving terrain.

Shot without a back-up vehicle or film crew, in parts of India hardly seen, filmed or explored, the documentary captures the interactions and experiences of the riders who are trying to chart a route, which according to everyone, does not exist.

If you think of riding from Frisco to L.A. without using paved roads, you get the idea.

And if you happen to like Indian music, as I do, you'll love the score.

(Note: Something might be wrong at YouTube. If the video isn't here, click here.)

Thanks to dirttrackproductions, India.

Also see the trailer for Riding Solo To The Top of The World. Another good film.