This is one of the single prettiest films a gear-head can watch. The shots, the lighting, the composure... I don't think I've ever seen another movie that can justify so much slow-motion, but it really is well done here to allow the viewer to take in everything about the shot. My only complaint is that it's strictly about motorcycling in America. There are a few shots of BMWs, Ducatis, Triumphs, and Vincents, but that's about it. MotoGP only gets talked about very briefly, as if the filmmakers knew they had to acknowledge it, but couldn't get anybody from MotoGP to participate or didn't care to. They also didn't talk about World Superbike. It's almost all dirt bikes and big, gaudy, chromed cruisers. I almost turned it off during some of the cruiser parts, but the interviewees had good stories, the editing kept me interested, and the parts focused on Bonneville and kids riding was really great. Recommended viewing for American motorcyclists, but there's a whole wide world of riders out there that may find this to be take-it-or-leave-it.
13 Reviews
From a rider's point of view
dallas_nyberg4 March 2014
If you are looking for a documentary about outlaw motorcycle gangs and all things associated with that side of motorcycling, then this documentary is not for you. What this it is, is a look at the wide variety of ordinary folk who happen to ride bikes. From two year old kids to folk approaching old age. Off roaders, hillclimbers, track racers, drag racers, land speed racers and people who just hit the highway and ride. Beautifully shot motorcycling scenes, intersected with comments and anecdotes from a broad range of riders. I ride a bike, so this movie just fortified my thoughts on why I choose to ride. If you do not ride a motorcycle, but are just a slight bit curious as to what all the fuss is about and as to why there are so many bikes out there, then watch this movie.. it will broaden your horizons and, quite possibly, convert you. One thing is for certain, there are several characters in this movie that you won't soon forget. In particular, a double amputee, who, instead of giving up, decided to ride a converted Harley Davidson on a tour of the World. Truly amazing. This is a nicely put together documentary and well worth a look.
One perspective on something that's hard to capture
phillip_wareham18 January 2023
Motorcycling came late to me, but after only a couple of years it's an important part of who I am. The makers of this movie (like a lot of other bikers) seem to feel the same way. They've tried to capture it and got close. The problem is that just like a photo of great scenery never captures the way it feels to be there, and the movie adaptation of your favourite book always disappoints, that feeling is difficult to nail down in
a documentary, especially as it's not the same feeling for each of us.
They did a great job of representing those for whom riding is something emotional, philosophical, and meaningful. Some of it was really touching. What it perhaps needed were some moments of comedy to provide balance; maybe some people for whom motorcycling is just about being wild or getting crazy with your buddies, who make you laugh, but that clearly isn't the voice of those who made this fillm. They love the flow state of being out on the road and the cameraderie amongst their fellow bikers.
They did a great job of representing those for whom riding is something emotional, philosophical, and meaningful. Some of it was really touching. What it perhaps needed were some moments of comedy to provide balance; maybe some people for whom motorcycling is just about being wild or getting crazy with your buddies, who make you laugh, but that clearly isn't the voice of those who made this fillm. They love the flow state of being out on the road and the cameraderie amongst their fellow bikers.
Not since On Any Sunday has a film captured the heart and soul of moto-life
degraciaj18 October 2013
I just saw the 2nd ever screening of Why We Ride at the 2013 AIMExpo in Orlando, FL. Been riding motorcycles since 1988 and this film captured the varied reasons, emotions and images that have made me a 2-wheel fanatic/addict. The film covers the unique American experience of moto- culture and its history. The interview excerpts, historic images/footage and bespoke footage are edited so well that the stories are riveting. Truly historic figures and events in the evolution of motorcycling are featured and watching it on the big screen with an almost IMAX-grade sound system made you feel as if you were on and in the rides and races.
I was so glad that I rode my 1199 Panigale to the event, because I wanted to ride so badly after seeing this! If you have even a passing interest in motorcycles, you owe it to yourself to watch this film. Bring a non- believer with you, the film is so strong it just might make them a convert!
I was so glad that I rode my 1199 Panigale to the event, because I wanted to ride so badly after seeing this! If you have even a passing interest in motorcycles, you owe it to yourself to watch this film. Bring a non- believer with you, the film is so strong it just might make them a convert!
the answer to the addiction to motorcycles
othman-raddadi-254-39779218 December 2013
I do ride, yet I was very skeptic of this movie when a friend proposed a screening of the DVD at his place, I mean don't get me wrong any motorcycle movie to a rider is welcome, but we grew a bit wary of recent motorcycle movies composed of video clips of high jumps and silly interviews... but this one was different, it brought me shivers in my bones, butterflies in my stomach and tears to my eyes then, made me realize how fortunate I am to have found my true passion the minute I bought my first motorcycle 10 years ago, along with the joy and pride of belonging to the purest and most genuine fraternities out there! while other still searching... if you ride, you must watch it, if you don't, please give it a try, it might get across the answers to all non believers to their question, why do we ride?! the two wheel business is more elaborate, popular, and keep growing, despite its factual limitations and dangers! I truly think this movie explain why! I gave it a 9 because it did not try to elaborate the idea from current professional perspective (current moto GP and motocross champions) and why they stick to it despite the enormous pressure (believe me the money is just half the answer) but again, maybe the director wanted us to see it through the eyes of the ordinaries like most of us, so we can relate more to it!
Stellar.
chelu198319 December 2013
This film was done in such a moving way. It reminds you of all the reasons why you ride. Why being on 2 wheels is like music being played on the road, dirt, so on and so forth. Before my wife started riding I use to tell her to watch as we go into turns during group rides so she could see the bikes work one after the other as they lean in and lean out and how amazing it was to see that. I think the only reason that individuals don't love to ride is because they haven't tried it. People put such labels on motorcycle enthusiasts when in reality this our free therapy! They don't realize how freeing it can truly be. They don't realize how unbelievably nice the motorcycle community really is. The interviews the footage shot the quotes the age range was all great! I would highly recommend this to all riders and nonriders!
One of the best
davichosupertramp16 August 2020
Been riding my bike for about 15 years, and still it´s kinda hard to tell people why i like it so much, you really have to ride to understand because everyone is so different, is two wheels for almost all of us, but also something deeply personal and it has to do a lot with the freedom sensation you get while riding your bike, it's meditation, adventure, freedom, a sense of wonder and discovery and this film does a lot putting what we all feel into words and beautiful images, i watch this one as white noise sometimes while i work or do chores, and then i have to ride! hahahaha love this! go out and ride!
Pretty good motorcycle movie, but takes itself too seriously
bsa44123 December 2013
Just saw "Why We Ride", and while it was entertaining, it isn't a great movie. For one thing, although it does show the passion that many motorcycle riders feel, the emphasis gets a bit overwhelming. I think the film takes itself too seriously, especially with music intended to add gravitas to the interviews. It seems like the producers missed the "having fun" aspect of riding in large part, which is so evident in "On Any Sunday".
Another problem with the film is that it didn't spend enough time on each area of riding, and tries to show too many types activities and riding styles, to the point that just as you are starting to say "that's cool ..." it's on to another topic.
A third issue is that too much prior knowledge on the part of the viewers has been assumed by the film-makers. For example, unless you know who Mert Lawill is, and already know his involvement with making a handle-bar grip for amputees, it's extremely easy to miss the importance of what he has done. Also, the interviewees are unnamed until the end of the film. Sure, most of the riders in our audience knew a few people, but most of us were wondering who they were, and why they were being interviewed.
We watched this film in a group of riders and non-riders. For the most part, this film just confirmed the feelings of the rides, but didn't really make the non-riders want to try motorcycles. It might not be fair to compare it to "On Any Sunday", but the comparison is inevitable. "On Any Sunday" makes most people want to at least investigate riding a bit more, just as "The Endless Summer" makes people want to go to the beach and think maybe they can surf, too.
"Why We Ride" is entertaining for riders, but it's not going to convince anyone to go out and get on a bike.
Another problem with the film is that it didn't spend enough time on each area of riding, and tries to show too many types activities and riding styles, to the point that just as you are starting to say "that's cool ..." it's on to another topic.
A third issue is that too much prior knowledge on the part of the viewers has been assumed by the film-makers. For example, unless you know who Mert Lawill is, and already know his involvement with making a handle-bar grip for amputees, it's extremely easy to miss the importance of what he has done. Also, the interviewees are unnamed until the end of the film. Sure, most of the riders in our audience knew a few people, but most of us were wondering who they were, and why they were being interviewed.
We watched this film in a group of riders and non-riders. For the most part, this film just confirmed the feelings of the rides, but didn't really make the non-riders want to try motorcycles. It might not be fair to compare it to "On Any Sunday", but the comparison is inevitable. "On Any Sunday" makes most people want to at least investigate riding a bit more, just as "The Endless Summer" makes people want to go to the beach and think maybe they can surf, too.
"Why We Ride" is entertaining for riders, but it's not going to convince anyone to go out and get on a bike.
Ok to pass time on a Sunday
stef-kirk27 October 2019
Music?
corneliswilkes19 January 2014
Why We Ride is an excellent documentary for bikers, it covers a lot of disciplines and deserves a 9 out of 10. It was ruined however by the bombastic music throughout the whole movie, it even drowned out the wonderful sounds of bikes running down the Salt Flats, why is that I wonder. If there is a version available without "music" I would gladly pay for that and watch it over and over again, but for now I am disappointed how an excellent documentary was disfigured by the soundtrack. Imho it is possible to compile a DVD with options for different languages, subtitles etc. The producers could have opted for a separate soundtrack without music I feel. Other than that, high praise for the video editing and the comprehensive coverage of motorcycling through the ages. The fact that everything seems to originate from the United States of America I take with a pinch of salt however.
I felt really fast after this movie...
El_Jefe21 August 2015
...because it's almost entirely in slow-motion. Seriously. Someone got hold of a high speed camera and proceeded to abuse it. Aside from the rapid-cutting, sporadic interview shots, the whole thing is in slow motion.
I don't know who these people are. I don't agree with their statements (e.g. "it's every racer's dream to be on the banks at Daytona" no it isn't). I don't particularly care about their personal story. I don't care about the company they're pimping or about how important God, the military, or their families are to them. Actually, I take that back, the bit with Ted Simon of Jupiter's Travels was pretty good, up until they dubbed in the sound of a two stroke engine while showing a 4-stroke KTM.
Skip this and go watch On Any Sunday instead. And maybe Faster.
I don't know who these people are. I don't agree with their statements (e.g. "it's every racer's dream to be on the banks at Daytona" no it isn't). I don't particularly care about their personal story. I don't care about the company they're pimping or about how important God, the military, or their families are to them. Actually, I take that back, the bit with Ted Simon of Jupiter's Travels was pretty good, up until they dubbed in the sound of a two stroke engine while showing a 4-stroke KTM.
Skip this and go watch On Any Sunday instead. And maybe Faster.
Couldn't Make It All the Way Through
bradley-trent7 May 2015
I REALLY wanted to love this movie, but it falls short of the benchmarks in the genre: "On Any Sunday" and its sequel, "Long Way Round" and its sequel, and the "Faster" franchise (MotoGP racing.) Slapping up a bunch of talking heads to blather on about their emotions would be more effective if they were at least identified by name, and preferably by accomplishment up front, but for the first third of the film, they remain anonymous. The history lessons were somewhat interesting, but somehow the "hook" was missing. I wanted a movie I could show the wife to fully explain my love of the sport, but I'll probably have more luck stirring her interest in motorcycling by putting her through the MSF's Basic Rider Course. "Why We Ride" had its heart in the right place, but its execution was flawed.
If Disney did a film about bikers...
vlntryst3 March 2017
A pretty decent film, though felt a good deal longer than it was. Pronounced American bias. Also the conspicuous omission of the daredevil/freestyle riding trades in thoroughness for a family friendly/safety first emphasis. (We're the nicest people...)
I wonder how many riders out there got the urge after watching Evil Knievel (my inspiration!), The Wild One, Easy Rider, or the modern evolution of freestyle motocross? Ironically it's the extreme riders that have always drawn the crowds and attention. You know, the ne'er do well's giving the sport/recreation a bad image. That was the party line from all the manufacturer sponsored teams back in the day. Seemed to me the film makers also believe that going to extremes withing the framework of rules set down by some governing body or under proper supervision are acceptable. But complete freedom of expression? Well, that's taking a good idea just a little too far.
Overall score 5/10.
I wonder how many riders out there got the urge after watching Evil Knievel (my inspiration!), The Wild One, Easy Rider, or the modern evolution of freestyle motocross? Ironically it's the extreme riders that have always drawn the crowds and attention. You know, the ne'er do well's giving the sport/recreation a bad image. That was the party line from all the manufacturer sponsored teams back in the day. Seemed to me the film makers also believe that going to extremes withing the framework of rules set down by some governing body or under proper supervision are acceptable. But complete freedom of expression? Well, that's taking a good idea just a little too far.
Overall score 5/10.
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