Facing Down Under - A Backpackers Documentary (2020) User Reviews

Cringy self presentation and wasted potential

[Ken_guru · 2/10 · 8 August 2022]

I watched this movie because it was falsely advertised as a backpacking / work and travel documentation but it actually felt like a expecively produced video about a young post graduate spending his holyday in Australia. The only time he is wearing a backpack ist on the way from the airport.

During the course of the entire film the guy is traveling by car and living with other "backpackers" in expensive looking hostels. At one time they even drive trough halve the country with two people in two separate cars.

Chris presents himself as a adventurous guy but at no point in the movie he does anything alone. He clearly spends way more mone than he makes the few Time he is actually working. Ceveral times he tells the audience how broke he is dwelling in self pity but changes nothing about it and just keeps on traveling the same way spending money left and right. His low point seems to be when he has to eat "cheap" pizza and sleep in a "cheaper" hostel.

Overall a underwhelming and uninspired documentation of a typicall young German trying to have the "find youselfe" experience.

Two stars for the cinematic production.

Chris obviously has more potential than is conveyed in the film and I hope he keeps making movies. Maybe he finds more meaningful content to show the world in the future.

Indian Summer Feeling

[mxggaa · 10/10 · 10 December 2020]

After seeing this wonderful movie, my feelings about the past summer came up. I miss traveling, having fun with friends in the sun, and being happy by moving. I think, for all the people who think about backpacking and work and Travel, they will get a close look into the ups and downs and a realistic view of how hard (but funny also) this could be. I guess everybody who had the Chance to do kind of backpacking as Chris did, will say that the experience they had, changed their lives. And that's what this movie is about. Thanks, Chris for giving me this wonderful feeling like I am a part of this trip.

The epitome of boring travel blogs

[jan_nik1993 · 3/10 · 15 July 2022]

This film had the chance to show a different side of the "finding yourself" journeys countless young people embark on, with money, education and - most of all - time, most of which has been handed down to them.

Instead it's an entitled view about backpacking that's been way too normalized in the middle-class of many developed countries.

The disconnect is topped off by managing to sell the idea that you want to make a documentary about yourself. Three stars for the entrepreneurial spirit.

Authentic and personal insights

[georgmoeller · 10/10 · 2 March 2021]

Very authentic and personal insights into the lifestyle of a young backpacker. Watching this will make you want to travel. Especially in times of a pandemic.

awesome

[hellou123 · 10/10 · 8 March 2021]

The documentary reminded me of my own travel experiences. I immediately felt the urge to travel and experience such moments. With lots of humour, creativity and a little tendency towards the crazy, one could gain insight into a heart-warming and touching story.

Stunning Documentary

[Thomas_Liefers · 10/10 · 1 March 2021]

Wow! That was an impressive documentary. Chris experiences the unfiltered life of a backpacker and experiences the stories you want to tell in your life. The documentary is gifted with incredible shots and a dynamic story that will make anyone want to travel. The film shows a beautiful development of his personality broken down to the really important things in life.

Backpacking explained

[fabio-73108 · 10/10 · 17 March 2021]

The trailer alone makes you want more and when I was finally able to see the film, it left me speechless. I myself was in Australia after my high school graduation and was able to experience similar life-changing things as Chris has experienced. Since then, a few years have passed and the trip to Australia should lay the foundation for my professional, as well as personal future. The film shows in an amazing way what backpacking is really like and what it means to be a backpacker. Thank you Chris, for these emotional moments!

feel the Freedom

[mumonaha · 10/10 · 5 April 2021]

I can recommend the film 100% its a pure vibe for everyone who wants to experience real adventure.

The feelings, experiences and messages in the film are unique and you can really feel the freedom of travelling.

Because I was a year ago in Australia on a trip, I could put myself in his shoes completely.

This film motivated me to be on the road again with the backpack.

Great work!

Beautiful

[iamcsb99 · 10/10 · 6 April 2021]

A beautiful documentary about the life of a backpacker who's facing difficult and new situations.

The documentary is full with breathtaking shots of the Australian wildlife and nature it makes you want to go out and travel!

Breathtaking

[lenaelbr · 10/10 · 5 April 2021]

The documentary is very well made from cinematography to voice over and everything else! Really enjoyed watching it. You kinda get the feeling as if you've been there too and it really makes you want to travel the world. Loved it!

Dive into a backpacker's adventure

[elenagall · 10/10 · 17 March 2021]

Chris takes you along on his journey through Australia by sharing his very personal experiences and learnings, as well as the ups and downs of a backpacker's life. If you ever feel like checking out another lifestyle and escaping from the place you are in at the moment, watch Facing Down Under. You will truly dive into an adventure, and afterwards feel as if you yourself had just spent a couple of months away. Join Chris on his trip, enjoy the breathtaking shots of the Australian continent and let yourself be surprised by the unknown. Cause that is what a backpacker's journey is all about, right?

Just saying thank you.

[tabeahbt · 10/10 · 6 April 2021]

I started whatching or joining you when I decided to make a gab year/work and travel in Australia or New Zealand. I discovered you over travelworks, since then your photography and videography haven't gone out of my mind. I am always like, Jesus he's my inspiration, he's the inspiration why I won't stop photographing, why I won't stop thinking about packing all my stuff and get out of here and just making pictures and videos because that's the thing that makes me feel better. I really like your creativity, your work and your art which you present on Instagram. That's why I bought that movie, to support you and I knew, it will be great. Therefore I say thank you to people like you, because they give me strength to go on and keep going what I burn for and don't stop believing.

Your documentary is perfect. The colours the editing, I just love it.

Thank you Chris Hartung.

Tabea:)

absolutely breathtaking

[jordyb-86126 · 10/10 · 6 April 2021]

A beautiful high quality movie with not only breathtaking images and sceneries, but also fascinating insights into the lives of backpackers. It gives you wanderlust and makes you want to travel. Never before have I seen such an authentic travel documentary. Well done, highly recommended!

Bringing back memories

[tobiashillenmayer · 10/10 · 7 April 2021]

Impresingly produced documentary by an up-and-coming movie maker. Brought back great memories of simpler days and my own experiences traveling the red continent almost 20 years ago. Highly recomended to anyone who loves to travel and explore the unknown.

Amazing Story, outstanding pictures and Voice - overall a super high level production

[malteilert · 10/10 · 10 April 2021]

We watched this movie with all our family in the german language. We are planning a roadtrip and Chris gave us deep insights of his journey to Australia.

The film superexcites us and we plan to watch it again with our friends.

We can recommend this documentary film also to young people thinking about to work and travel.

I personally love the drone shots!

Thumbs up for you Chris and all the best for you and your carreer!

Malte and Family from Horn.

Inspiring travel documentary!

[danielk-25125 · 10/10 · 11 April 2021]

Facing Down Under is a great movie that shows what impact traveling has on your personal development. I was immediately inspired to travel again. It also made me appreciate my past travels even more. Highly recomended to all travel addicts and to anyone who is still thinking about whether to travel the world after high school!

Absolutely worth seeing

[r-dobbertin · 10/10 · 31 October 2021]

An impressive and captivating film about the life as a backpacker in Australia.

Great landscape, partly recorded with a drone, small events and guys that make you smile as well as Chris' sonorous voice, make the 84 minutes fly by!

Respect for this work on a very, very small Budget!!

Very inspirational & touching documentary

[holstehannah · 10/10 · 19 April 2021]

A great insight in the ups and downs of a backpacking journey combined with stunning shots picturing the Australian landscape and wildlife. The movie did not only bring back own travel memories but also inspired me to take life not too seriously and start planning my next journey! Great job!!👏🏼

Absolutely inspiring!

[nulbrecht · 10/10 · 31 October 2021]

This film is really inspiring and makes you want to start an adventure. Not only the shots are stunning, but also the story. It's a story about how traveling can get you closer to others and can create great friendships but also big losses that are part of life.

It really takes you on a journey and after watching, you feel like you were in Australia, too.

A must-watch for everybody that is thinking about traveling, but isn't sure about the risks! This film will cure your sorrows.

I love it

[MeloMelo3 · 10/10 · 11 April 2021]

Very Beautiful Documentary about Australia.

Amazing Footages and I really love how the whole movie fits together with what I've imagined Australia to be like.

I can only recommend this if you haven't watched it yet.

Very excited about new movies.

Love it :) 10/10.

Highly recommended

[justusehlich · 10/10 · 25 May 2021]

This documentary just reminded me of all the great moments we shared together. It makes me happy to see how much love-to-detail and passion he put in the movie. What Chris, was able to produce with his rather minimalistic equipment in Australia, is impressive. He created an level of excitement for traveling. Professional audio, great design, stunning landscapes, hilarious, sad, live changing moments and emotions. Everything you're looking for in a documentary about backpacking!

Thank you for this documentary! I'm happy to be a little part of it.

Amazing Shots and great Story

[marlenekuhlmann · 10/10 · 10 April 2021]

I wached this movie with my Friends and loved the Film from the beginning to the end. The recordings in the Film are very breathtaking and the Story is very emotional.

You gain an insight into the life of a young backpacker and have the feeling to accompany Chris in many situations. All in all a film that inspires you to travel and to gain new experiences.

Thought-provoking and Original

[summer120100 · 10/10 · 6 June 2021]

I had the pleasure of meeting Chris and watching his documentary was an experience, to say the least. The filming and editing are top-notch and paired with a cohesive blend of music and comical yet insightful narration by Chris himself. A must-watch for those heading to Australia, the lucky ones who have already visited Down Under or even those who love a great travel documentary.

Astonishing!

[pogosjanjenni · 10/10 · 11 November 2021]

A talented young man, who tries to understand the life a bit better and processes it through this piece of art.

Lots of impressions, incredible images... Not one second where I didn't whish to be traveling.

Thank you.

TOP

[thomasbrilka · 10/10 · 30 October 2021]

Wonderful movie! You immediately feel like packing your backpack... and go on a discovery trip.

I hope that many more people will see this film.

Wish you lots of success!