The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

The beauty of the South American landscape and of Gael Garcia Bernal (Y Tu Mama Tambien, Bad Education) gives The Motorcycle Diaries a charisma that is decidedly apolitical. But this portrait of the young Che Guevara (later to become a militant revolutionary) is half buddy-movie, half social commentary--and while that may seem an unholy hybrid, under the guidance of Brazillian director Walter Salles (Central Station) the movie is quietly passionate. Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado (Rodrigo de la Serna, a lusty and engaging actor) set off from Buenos Aires, hoping to circumnavigate the continent on a leaky motorcycle. They end up travelling more by foot, hitchhiking, and raft, but their experience of the land and the people affects them profoundly. No movie could affect an audience the same way, but The Motorcycle Diaries gives a soulful glimpse of an awakening social conscience, and that's worth experiencing. --Bret Fetzer Amazon.com

Diarios de Motocicleta

Rarely is it easy to make the distinction between social history and cultural mythology. And to create a film to represent the lives of complex historical figures is a daunting task, yet Walter Salles has proven that he is more than capable of creating such a film. In The Motorcycle Diaries we are shown an approximation of the early life of Ernesto Guevara, the man who would eventually recognized worldwide as the revolutionary Che Guevara.

The story begins in Argentina where friends Ernesto Guevara (Gael García Bernal) and Alberto Granado (Rodrigo de la Serna) decide to take a motorcycle trip across South America. Both are studying to become doctors but are restless and wish to see more of their land, learn more of its history, people and culture. Their trek will take them on an amazing journey of over 8000 kilometers and will end in Venezuela at the Guajira Peninsula. Their route will take them through Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Chile, the Andes and into the Peruvian Amazon. They get off to a rough start, barely avoiding serious accidents and experiencing numerous mechanical problems. The motorcycle, a Norton 500 from 1939, is dilapidated and causes many difficulties. But their early misadventures are soon overshadowed by their realization that much of South America is divided, culturally and economically. Ernesto and Alberto witness the turmoil of their land and it changes them profoundly. While Alberto acknowledges the troubles of the people and sympathizes with them, Ernesto takes them to heart and understands the need for action. The faces of the downtrodden, the diseased and the impoverished haunt him. A new conviction is born within him, a new cause for his existence and he is given something to fight for. He craves revolution and the unity of Latin America.

The film gives a humanistic portrait of a man who has been idolized by young political radicals, respected by social reformers and admired by philosophers. But the man known as Che is more than just a symbol of revolution. He was above all a complicated man capable of sincerity, compassion and instituting great change. For those who are already familiar with his life, this film will deepen your understanding and appreciation of him. For those unfamiliar with Che, the film is a wonderful introduction to a fascinating man.
The film is driven by powerful performances from its two leading men, who enrich their characters with impetuosity, angst, empathy and humor. The music ingeniously captures the flavor of South American culture while imbuing the film with the angst of youthful rebellion. The Motorcycle Diaries is a film that should not be missed.

Also recommended:
The Motorcycle Diaries
Guerrilla Warfare
Che Guevara on Global Justice
Che Guevara Reader: Writings on Politics & Revolution
Traveling with Che Guevara: The Making of a Revolutionary
Che Guevara: Revolutionary and Icon
The Che Handbook
Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life July 25, 2008

Superb film and travelogue, with stunning landscapes!

I've read all the 1 star reviews about who Che became, and of course his revolutionary bent, etc. This is not what this film was about. All that came later, and can be judged by history. What this film was about, however, is a true, as real as it gets, soul searching journey by two young Argentinian men who traverse South America on motorcycle in order to see other landscapes and people. The poignancy and 'life lessons' they learn as they encounter injustices and poverty suffered by many of these people are very real and moving. 'Self-discovery' and empathy come in many forms, as these two shape their opinions on the human condition while two-wheeling it across many landscapes and cultures for 8 months. The scenery and landscapes are stunning and gorgeous, and the well-paced film has a very realistic feel to it that draws you in. HIGHLY recommended! June 20, 2008

Motorcycle Diaries a must have

I think any one who enjoys a good foreign film will love this movie, It is subtitled but it only adds to the movie. A true, or as true as a film can be I guess of the early life of Che Guevara, when he was just forming his political views that caused him to join the revolution. Warning, if you are a Norton motorcycle buff the film may cause some grief when you see what they put the poor motorcycle thru. The film was shot in South America which only adds to the realism of the plight of the two class system that is prevelant in South America. A must see movie. May 27, 2008

Fallido retrato de la infancia de un revolucionario

La película resulta bastante decepcionante porque retrata con una ingenuidad sorprendente la toma de conciencia de uno de los mas nefastos fanáticos que ha padecido latinoamerica. El personaje de Guevara resulta endeble y caricaturesco al extremo, con una carga de arrogancia insoportable.
Si eres un extranjero que no conoce nada de la historia de sudamerica como y estas habituado al folklore revolucionario que existe al respecto, como la música del francés Manu Chao, tal ves la disfrutes.
Lo único rescatable son la actuación del compañero de Guevara, Alberto Granado, quien aporta humor y el toque de humanidad ausente en el protagonista, junto a los bellísimos paisajes de America Latina. Pero para eso mejor es ver un documental de viajes. April 14, 2008

A Buddy Picture That Reaches Far Deeper Into the Heart

When I visited South America on my own extended trip a few years ago, I was amazed how many times I saw pictures of Ché Guevara everywhere I went....cafes, outdoor bulletin boards, art galleries, even department stores. By now having read his diary several times, I can understand his impact, and the 2004 film surpasses my expectations on almost every level. It is perceptively directed, beautifully photographed and wondrously acted by a cast headed by two charismatic actors who tap deep into the hearts and souls of their characters. Whereas the book is more observational, the movie provides a more involving feeling in its portrait of a young man on the brink of his political awakening. It starts out somewhat deceptively as a comic buddy picture with the young Ernesto Guevara (pre-Ché), a medical student, leaving his family and accompanying his seemingly more worldly pal Alberto Granado, a biochemist, on a dilapidated 1939 Norton motorbike traversing South America from their native Buenos Aires to Caracas.

It is obvious what Alberto's hormonally charged intentions are on this months-long journey, but at 23, Ernesto is at a more sensitive juncture in his life where his encounters and observations have a deeper impact on his ideology. What I really like about the film is how it changes in tone and texture as the boys' hunt for adventure evolves into life-changing experiences for both of them. The motorbike acts as a metaphor for this change, as it unsurprisingly breaks down forcing them to open their eyes to the poverty and quiet struggle of the local people in each of the countries they visit. The story winds through wintry Patagonia, the blistering Atacama Desert, the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu and several towns in between. But the most touching passage takes place at the San Pablo leper colony in the Peruvian Amazon basin, where Ernesto bonds deeply with the lepers to the chagrin of the local nuns. His night swim across the Amazon, struggling for air through his asthma, is a powerful scene among many in this subtly potent film.

As he has proven with his wonderful Central Station, director Walter Salles has an acute ability to connect his characters to their settings in deeply emotional ways. He is the ideal choice to guide this road movie. As Guevara, Gael Garcia Bernal transcends his Tiger Beat, teen heartthrob looks and delivers a deeply touching performance, as he grows from a big city innocent to a haunted young man ready to take on a greater cause than his medical career. He does an especially strong job in conveying his character's unblinking honesty and displaying unexpected acts of rage and compassion. Just as good is Rodrigo de la Serna in his feature film debut as Granado, effortlessly showing his character's bravado and humor while finding his own bumpy way in the world. His reactions to his buddy's political declaration at the birthday party, and to his own feelings during their goodbye at the end, are among the most poignant moments in the movie. In fact, much of the film's power comes from their palpable chemistry and unforced rapport. They are instantly and completely believable as best friends. And much more than the book, the film builds a solid emotional bridge between the young innocent and the Communist revolutionary Guevara was to become.

If you are not aware of his fate, it is briefly summarized in subtitles at the end, and the coda with the real Granado is moving. While this may be the most glowing portrayal of a Communist-in-the-making since Warren Beatty's film about John Reed, Reds, don't let that stop you from seeing this mesmerizing work. This is a wonderfully heartfelt film. In the 2005 DVD package, there are three extended deleted scenes included, none indispensable but still valuable for the additional context they provide to an essentially episodic movie. I particularly liked the sequence with the blind truck driver risking the lives of the two vagabonds as he swerves perilously on a treacherous mountain road. The obligatory making-of documentary is helpful, and includes comments from Salles, screenwriter Jose Rivera and executive producer Robert Redford. There is also a couple of brief Spanish-language TV interviews with Bernal and a quick interview with the film's composer Gustavo Santaolalla. March 26, 2008

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