When we humans have a passion, we try to incorporate it into all aspects of our lives. That’s why, for example, two-wheel enthusiasts don’t just use their motorbikes for long journeys or weekend rides; they often try to make it their daily means of transport, regardless of the weather. And that’s why, along with riding, bikers out there adapt all their other hobbies to it, such as reading or going to the cinema. So at NG BRAKES we’ve made a selection of 5 films that every motorbike lover should see at least once in their life.
The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
Directed by Walter Salles and starring Gael García Bernal and Rodrigo de la Serna, this film narrates the journey of Ernesto “Che” Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado through South America. Their adventure is on the back of a Norton where they get to know themselves and explore the contrasts between the different places, societies and individuals they meet along the way. A road movie in every sense of the word, it’s one in which the explorer’s character and his love of motorbikes play an important role.
The Wild One (1953)
If you’re more into classic cinema, László Benedek’s film, starring Marlon Brando and Mary Murphy, is a must-see. Here (and let’s not forget that it was released in the 1950s) we come across the classic image of the rebellious biker, belonging to an archaic club, who likes getting up to mischief wherever he goes. In the film, Johnny, the protagonist, rides a Triumph Thunderbird 650 and becomes infatuated with the daughter of the local sheriff.
Easy Rider (1969)
Here’s another road movie. Directed by Dennis Hopper and starring himself, Peter Fonda and Jack Nicholson, we follow their characters as they travel across an important part of the United States, coming across a series of peculiar people, who in a certain way represent the different tribes that make up American society of that time. It’s a film that is also a music lover’s favourite thanks to its memorable soundtrack.
TT3D: Closer to the Edge (2011)
We leave fiction for the moment to move on to a documentary. Closer to the Edge, directed by Richard De Aragues, allows us to follow Guy Martin’s dramatic Isle of Man TT in 2010. As well as experiencing first-hand the thrill of riding the Mountain Course at over 200 kilometres per hour, it also allows us to learn about this unique competition and the characters who take part in it.
On Any Sunday (1971)
We continue with documentary films, but here we go back in time. In the early 1970s, Bruce Brown released this feature film in which he explored the passion for two wheels and the reasons – rational or irrational – behind a person’s decision to risk their life by racing a motorbike. It focuses specifically on Steve McQueen, a motorcycling legend who is still admired to this day.
Bonus Track: Le Mans ’66
And here’s a special treat, a bonus recommendation. Although it focusses on the world of cars rather than motorbikes, ‘Le Mans ’66’, directed by James Mangold and starring Christian Bale and Matt Damon, perfectly captures the essence of motor racing. It’s an exciting story, which not only introduces us to the charismatic Ken Miles, but also many other recognised drivers of that time, and not only those that competed on four wheels.
