10/18/2004
Motorcycle Diaries: Uneasy Riders
Went out to see The Motorcycle Diaries yesterday. I have to admit that most of the reason I went was to look at Gael García Bernal. But not only am I a sucker for that appealing, serious face, I am also a sucker for road movies. The film is based on the journals of the young Che Guevara and details a journey he took with his friend Alberto Granado across South America by motorcycle in his early years, when the two were medical students.
The film's narrative is linear to a fault, without much depth beyond the anecdotal misadventures of the young twosome, who seem to encounter all the traditional road movie clichés (breakdown, running out of cash, being run out of town, etc). To García Bernal's credit, he pulls it off with aplomb and humor — he is a true movie star: engaging, dashing, sympathetic. I could have done with less of the motorcycle wiping out (a thread which quickly exceeded its charm) and needed no further demonstration of Che's lack of dancing ability.
The film's most stirring scenes come as Che and Alberto arrive at a Leper Colony on the Amazon to treat patients and demonstrate a willingness to cast off prejudices associated with the afflicted. This is the one spot (aside from a brief flurry of scenes at a migrant mine in the Chilean desert) where the plot is developed with proper resonance and the political and social nature of Che's future can be foreseen. Yet the deeper psychology of one of the greatest revolutionary figures of last century is never plumbed; the film could have been about any young man trekking out into the world to discover his true purpose. Motorcycle Diaries is also a story of friendship, though even that intent feels somewhat forsaken. Ultimately it's an innocent and inspiring film with ambitions that never fully mature.
Above all, it's a gorgeous tribute to the stunning rural countryside of Argentina, Chile, and Peru, accompanied by a soothing, gracious soundtrack by Gustavo Santaolalla.
Sphere: Related ContentPosted 3:16 AM EST by Andy in Film & TV | Permalink
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"One of the greatest revolutionary figures of last century"?? Che was a terrorist, no different than Al Quaeda. Let's please not deify the man.
Posted by: Dan | Oct 18, 2004 9:09:32 AM
Revolutionary/terrorist...it all depends on your individual perspective and background, lets not try to be too blinkered.
I agree that this film was a disappointing adaptation that gave only limited insight into one of the world's inspiring figures and a reasonably well written book. Apart from the beautiful music, scenery and Gael, i got very little from it. BTW Gael is so much better (if you can beleive that) in Bad Education - which is a stunning piece of filmmaking
Posted by: neil | Oct 18, 2004 9:47:31 AM
He led personal non-military attacks on foreign soil, and you think he's not a terrorist?
Posted by: rrgg | Oct 18, 2004 11:38:07 AM
Andy I'm glad you went to see the movie..At least you got some pictures of South America, particularly Argentina...And I agree, friendship is one of the highlighted topics in the movie.
Posted by: Marcello | Oct 18, 2004 11:57:25 AM
Before a comment war starts over my use of the word "greatest", let me clarify that I meant that adjective to mean remarkable in terms of effectiveness, not necessarily as an expression of approval. I could also say that Bin Laden is one of the greatest terrorists in history and not be wrong. And I certainly condemn terrorism and Bin Laden's actions.
Posted by: andy | Oct 18, 2004 12:02:59 PM
Hi Andy,
The film is an amazing story. I saw it in the premiere here in Rio and the director, Walter Salles (brazilian like me), said, in a talk show after the movie, that this film is not here to show Che Guevara's life but the insight of life from two young boys.
I love it.
Posted by: Mário | Oct 18, 2004 1:06:18 PM
seguro, mario, yo tambien.
Posted by: dan moschel ortiz | Oct 18, 2004 9:05:54 PM
I saw the film today. Did not love it. Beautifully shot, good narrative, however, could have been tighter and sharper.
Posted by: HoyaBoy | Oct 18, 2004 9:28:53 PM
But you didn't say "greatest terrorist of the last century", as you just described Bin Laden. You said "one of the greatest revolutionary figures". George Washington was a great revolutionary figure. He fought the British army. He didn't murder ordinary citizens. Che Guevara was responsible for the deaths of many, many innocent people, ergo the label of "terrorist". What you say and how you say it are crucial, especially if you are posting in your own blog.
Posted by: Dan | Oct 18, 2004 11:41:54 PM
Revolutionary figures are not by definition, good people. They bring about fundamental change.
Che may have been a murderer of innocents, but he also brought about fundamental change.
I also just explained that my use of the word "greatest" meant remarkable in terms of effectiveness, and I was not using it as a means of glorification, deification, or the like.
Posted by: andy | Oct 19, 2004 12:02:40 AM
Whether Che was a saint or a sinner in real life is surely beside the point. The film merely endorses what the icon of Che has come to represent to many people; the fight against social injustice, a revolutionary spirit to change things for the better. As Mario's comment showed, the director's aim was not to portray the reality of Che, whatever that may be. I thought the film was trying to provoke its audience into action - those injustices still exist, I saw them for myself in Ecuador last year - and I think the film is great for that alone. - On a lighter note,I have to agree with Andy; Gael Garcia Bernal - phwoar! X
Posted by: Steph UK | Oct 19, 2004 12:56:49 PM
Andy has a good point. The difference can be subtle. Just like an average person can bring revolutions, civilians can also become militants. The black and white ideology doesn't stand firm in history. When history became history, it changed the society in its magical way.
Posted by: JRCA | Oct 19, 2004 2:37:02 PM
Hello,
It is even repulsive to hear so many ignorant people at the same time. You may consider reading and learning more about history at a worldwide level; otherwise, you are ready to enlist in the Army. Perfect place for middle class people like yourselves...
Posted by: Mike | Dec 18, 2004 8:50:49 PM
Hi, I saw it a few months ago, and I really liked it. It's beautiful shot and off corse Gael is amazing... :) But the point they are trying to make is that he fought against social injustice! Maybe he wasn't a saint, but what can you do if your enemy's are so bad?
Posted by: Ike | Mar 29, 2005 10:16:27 AM
Dan, how dare you describe him as a terrorist? For your information, the CIA of America has been terrorizing Cuba for going on 50 years. Che, Fidel and others threw out the slave-driven, American-Puppet regime of Batista from Cuba. The man was a hero. You say he killed innocents? Well, what about the 100,000 Iraqi civillians killed in the Oil War?
Oh, and you say George Washington was a hero because he fought against the British. Well, 5000 blacks were murdered by the Americans out of racist tendancies. Hero my arse.
Posted by: Harry | Jul 20, 2005 5:11:42 AM
Many of Che's attrocities have been highlighted by cuban exiles; people who lost wealth and power under the revolution. While it is likely to say that such people would have a bias against him, it is not to say that he did not murder innocents. Nonetheless, this is a man who gave medical aid and ultimate freedom to his enemies-which is well documented
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this is my all time favourite movie. visually the movie is beautiful the ways in which it is shot really brings out the culture and feeling of south America and just makes you want to travel. Its a touching and warming story of finding meaning of your life and making the most out of it by making a difference.
Posted by: maud | Mar 11, 2007 10:04:03 PM
All motorcycle riders would definitely adore this movie as they can relate on the story itself. Me, myself enjoyed the movie, seeing myself as the main character of "Motorcycle Diaries".
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