Director: Walter Salles
Screenplay: Jose Rivera
Starring: Gael García Bernal, Rodrigo De la Serna
Language: Spanish
Year: 2004
UK rental release: December 2004
Tonight, we delve deeper into the musings and evolution of one of the most infamous revolutionaries the world has ever seen. Even known for adorning the odd t-shirt from time to time, Che Guevara has shaken the world in his attempts to liberate the oppressed throughout the Americas, and The Motorcycle Diaries creeps into the moments just prior to these acts; at a time when he simply known as Ernesto.
Before completion of his medical degree, Ernesto Guevara (Gael García Bernal, Y Tu Mamá También, Amores Perros,), or "Fuser" to those close to him, needs adventure. Craving exposure of the unknown, combined with a journey of transcendence, his urge to travel across America with his exuberant friend, Alberto cannot be ignored.
Alberto (Rodrigo De la Serna, Buenos Aires 1997, Tetro) is a biochemist himself, and their combined interest in the medical world will lead their travels to a leper colony to study and help the afflicted. Before this experience, however, there's some fun to be had.
Alberto is a charismatic soul next to Ernesto's more measured outlook on life. Yet together, their chemistry is absolute. They both share a passion for adventure and a desire to explore. The Americas will be their stomping ground for the coming months, and they intend to race through key towns, villages and cities all the way up the west coast of the continent to expand their minds and take in the cultures of Argentina and its sibling countries, covering over 14,000 kilometres, all the way to Venezuela.
They don't just venture alone, as they have 'The Mighty One' to accompany them: a Norton 500 motorcycle which will be their chariot throughout all of their encounters. Such an exciting escapade needs a thrilling means of transportation, and The Mighty One could be just that. Then again, it isn't so mighty, spluttering and breaking down now and then. These delays don't hinder their quest though, instead fatefully placing them within encounters with locals on their travels and enhancing their experience further.
There is a goal to the trail however. Having already witnessed the depravity of some of their neighbouring cultures, unearthing the revolutionary within Ernesto, by the time they reach the leper colony their faith in humanity will be questioned. By seeing the lack of support to these ailed individuals, there becomes as an opening to a far greater adventure.
Predominantly adapted from the accounts of Ernesto himself, and extended from other works as appendices, filling in some holes in the story, this biopic of Ernesto Guevara is a revealing study of how, in the eye's of some, he was slowly built to greatness.
Part of this transition is presented through voiceovers from our lead, with his musings adding extra brevity to the journey. Through these thoughts and observations, the film exposes his morphing from a young man to known activist; a formative time where he found himself and his true calling. No matter whether you are of the many who respect what Che Guevara stood for or not, of how you perceive his time as a Marxist guerrilla commander, there's no disputing how justified his initial path into this new life was, especially from seeing the level of despair he witnessed during his years travelling across Latin America.
The evolution of his principles and very being are perfectly, even poetically demonstrated through the life cycle of 'The Mighty One', which slowly withers during the picture. It's health as a machine mirrors the resolve held by Fuser, which gradually erodes as he sees the atrociousness beset on the innocent throughout his journey.
This all sounds very deep, which it truly is but not heavily so. As important as this film is, it is a peaceful watch, allowing you to assimilate the feelings of a pre-Che Guevara. You get to see the man beneath the symbol, the real hero under the t-shirt; to understand the makings of the man at a younger age, to see the human within the soldier.
Many biopics try to hard to be entertaining, or fail at even trying to be enjoyable. There's no doubt that it's a difficult equilibrium to perfect. Yet, sometimes, a picture comes along that falls victim to neither of these fates. The Motorcycle Diaries is one such film, which calmly touches your soul and manages even further to honestly represent a genuine soul. A spirit who, through an adventure both on the road and through his very being, would reach a point in his life where his next choices could change the world.
Many biopics try to hard to be entertaining, or fail at even trying to be enjoyable. There's no doubt that it's a difficult equilibrium to perfect. Yet, sometimes, a picture comes along that falls victim to neither of these fates. The Motorcycle Diaries is one such film, which calmly touches your soul and manages even further to honestly represent a genuine soul. A spirit who, through an adventure both on the road and through his very being, would reach a point in his life where his next choices could change the world.
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