“at the risk of sounding ridiculous,
the true revolutionary is guided by the
greatest feelings of love”
- Che Guevara
Mass marketed for his bravery and courage to the youth of America, Che Guevara, leader of the Cuban Revolution, would have frowned upon the simplifying of his message: from passionate leader to hip, anti-establishment god, what a way to be remembered, eh? The new film by Walter Salle’s, The Motorcycle Diaries is an adaptation of a young, idealistic Guevara’s and his older, more hedonistic friend Alberto Granado‘s, writings on their trip across South America. It is an affectionate portrait and a moving tribute for a determined revolutionary.
The film begins with our heros vowing to travel 8000 km on a bike they lovingly refer to as “The Mighty One." Full of hope and determination, Che, a bourgeois student, awaiting his medical doctorate and Alberto, a biochemist, ride down the street away from their family. Little do the bickering friends know how much this trip will affect their futures.
A lot will be said about the subtle, tender performances from the leads Gael Garcia Bernal (Che) and Alberto Granado (Rodrigo De la Serna). Many viewers might know Gael from recent art house hits such as, Y Tu Mama Tambien and Amores Perros. Much like his performances in those films, Gael showcases his infinite charisma and adds depth to the young, uncertain Che. However, it is his friend Alberto Granado whose pleasure seeking and cheerful personality give life to the film.
It is impossible to not mention the films third and arguably most pivotal character: South America. The cinematography at times is jaw droopingly magical. When Che says “Can one be nostalgic of a place they have never known?” The audience can feel his analysis because the film drips with atmosphere. At times you can get lost in the scenery and much of the film is devoid of real plot development, but the imagery adds a lyrical quality to the otherwise simple narrative.
As the journey nears its end, and the once “Mighty One” loses his will. Our heroes are forced to embark on the rest of the journey on foot. It is here where the first signs of a young revolutionary are shown. Che and Alberto meet weary travelers without jobs and a leper colony.
It is through these experiences that Alberto and Che began to shape their futures. Che, begins to question the cruel, realities of mine workers. He spies on a typical, mining job recruitment session. When he notices the two travelers, a man and wife, become separated because the husband is the only one hired. He runs over and questions the cruel practices. It is these slight moments, when the film hints at the revolutionary that he would become, and Salle’s subtle direction succeeds in not hammering home the message.
Working farther up their journey, the two take refuge at a leper colony, where a lake divides those are infected and those who are not. When Che learns that the disease is not contagious. He is disgusted by the division of patients and doctors. So, begins the moments in the film, where he befriends the lepers and breaks the established rules of the colony. Both him and Alberto refuse to wear gloves when shaking hands with the sick. These actions slowly reflect the bourgeoning political resistance in Che. He believes in his ideas and doesn’t ever retract from pursuing them. It is here, the symbolic swim across the lake takes place, he wants to celebrate his birthday with the lepers, but cannot find the boat that would allow him to cross. Being determined that he is, the asthmatic Che literally grows from boy to man by making the journey across the lake. After the celebration, Che and Alberto embark on their journey home. They ride the river on a raft built by grateful members of the colony.
When the trip ends, the friends depart their separate ways, but like all great trips they have memories that will last them a life time; and luckily so will you -- that is, if you aren’t a masochist and watch it, because this is one of the best films of the year.
the true revolutionary is guided by the
greatest feelings of love”
- Che Guevara
Mass marketed for his bravery and courage to the youth of America, Che Guevara, leader of the Cuban Revolution, would have frowned upon the simplifying of his message: from passionate leader to hip, anti-establishment god, what a way to be remembered, eh? The new film by Walter Salle’s, The Motorcycle Diaries is an adaptation of a young, idealistic Guevara’s and his older, more hedonistic friend Alberto Granado‘s, writings on their trip across South America. It is an affectionate portrait and a moving tribute for a determined revolutionary.
The film begins with our heros vowing to travel 8000 km on a bike they lovingly refer to as “The Mighty One." Full of hope and determination, Che, a bourgeois student, awaiting his medical doctorate and Alberto, a biochemist, ride down the street away from their family. Little do the bickering friends know how much this trip will affect their futures.
A lot will be said about the subtle, tender performances from the leads Gael Garcia Bernal (Che) and Alberto Granado (Rodrigo De la Serna). Many viewers might know Gael from recent art house hits such as, Y Tu Mama Tambien and Amores Perros. Much like his performances in those films, Gael showcases his infinite charisma and adds depth to the young, uncertain Che. However, it is his friend Alberto Granado whose pleasure seeking and cheerful personality give life to the film.
It is impossible to not mention the films third and arguably most pivotal character: South America. The cinematography at times is jaw droopingly magical. When Che says “Can one be nostalgic of a place they have never known?” The audience can feel his analysis because the film drips with atmosphere. At times you can get lost in the scenery and much of the film is devoid of real plot development, but the imagery adds a lyrical quality to the otherwise simple narrative.
As the journey nears its end, and the once “Mighty One” loses his will. Our heroes are forced to embark on the rest of the journey on foot. It is here where the first signs of a young revolutionary are shown. Che and Alberto meet weary travelers without jobs and a leper colony.
It is through these experiences that Alberto and Che began to shape their futures. Che, begins to question the cruel, realities of mine workers. He spies on a typical, mining job recruitment session. When he notices the two travelers, a man and wife, become separated because the husband is the only one hired. He runs over and questions the cruel practices. It is these slight moments, when the film hints at the revolutionary that he would become, and Salle’s subtle direction succeeds in not hammering home the message.
Working farther up their journey, the two take refuge at a leper colony, where a lake divides those are infected and those who are not. When Che learns that the disease is not contagious. He is disgusted by the division of patients and doctors. So, begins the moments in the film, where he befriends the lepers and breaks the established rules of the colony. Both him and Alberto refuse to wear gloves when shaking hands with the sick. These actions slowly reflect the bourgeoning political resistance in Che. He believes in his ideas and doesn’t ever retract from pursuing them. It is here, the symbolic swim across the lake takes place, he wants to celebrate his birthday with the lepers, but cannot find the boat that would allow him to cross. Being determined that he is, the asthmatic Che literally grows from boy to man by making the journey across the lake. After the celebration, Che and Alberto embark on their journey home. They ride the river on a raft built by grateful members of the colony.
When the trip ends, the friends depart their separate ways, but like all great trips they have memories that will last them a life time; and luckily so will you -- that is, if you aren’t a masochist and watch it, because this is one of the best films of the year.
