The Motorcycle Diaries (4 1/2)

The Motorcycle Diaries
2004

Directed by:
Walter Salles

Cast:
Gael Garcia Bernal........Ernesto Guevara de la Serna
Rodrigo de la Serna.......Alberto Granado

It usually takes me a while to get in the mood for a foreign language film. Usually I feel slightly ADD reading subtitles, watching the action, listening to the actors' cadence etc. However after viewing the very dismal Pauly Shore is Dead I needed a change of pace quick.

This is a beautiful film, set in a beautiful location, acted by beautiful people, and put to beautiful music. The film is based upon the writings of Ernesto 'Che' Guevara and Alberto Granado about a journey they took early in their lives. I do not wish to discuss the politics that came later -- the movie also avoids any controversy and merely depicts the journey that gave one man a call to arms -- so to speak.

The pace and tone of the movie is very ethereal and idealistic in the beginning. The story is peppered with light heartedness that allows the viewer to ease into the material. As the story and journey unfolds you feel as though you are meeting the people as 'Fuser' and Alberto meet them. You are struck with emotion at the instant the characters are -- there is no forcing the point home rather the emotion and passion plays out naturally.



Garcia Bernal plays 'Fuser' (Che)with brevity and passion. The actors holds the man in his eyes and you are able to glimpse where Che's passion arose from. De la Serna plays Rodrigo with swagger, bravado and it bounces off of Che's stoic nature perfectly.

As I began this review saying -- this film is beautiful. Allow yourself to be swept away and you will see the true passion of this film. Again feel what you may towards his beliefs just see this film.

I give this 4 1/2 journeys out of 5.