The Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto Che Guevara

Along the way, the two young men realize their separate destinies and what the future will hold in store in The Motorcycle Diaries.” His legend didn’t just happen and the seeds of his rebellious zeal were planted years before when young Ernesto (Gael Garcia Bernal) and his best friend, Alberto Granado (Rodrigo de la Serna), took a motorcycle journey across South America in 1952. It is amusing that Ernesto contradicts the stereotype of the Latin male sensualist and is a terrible dancer to the lovely soundtrack.The name of Ernesto “Che” Guevara is synonymous with revolutionary fervor and as one of the key players who helped Fidel Castro take power in Cuba in 1959. Their close camaraderie is well-captured and Ernesto has a profound impact on him, as we learn in a final biographical summary. So there's no eye-opening 'Grapes of Wrath' conflict, though he is always contrasted with his carefree companion, Alberto Granado. He is mostly an observer and inconsistent protester of injustice, not a victim - it's startling that his culminating noble sojourn at the leper colony, where he can put his skills and indivisible warmth to specific good, is only for three weeks. Mostly just leaving his sheltered life, particularly being dropped by his wealthy girlfriend, and seeing the continent, especially his first exposure to the indigenous peoples who suffer the most in every South American country even while tourists are visiting the ruins of their ancestors, becomes the nexus of his pan-continental political ideals. Rather it sets off an internal thoughtfulness that is difficult to catch on film. He was already a liberal who wanted to help leprosy patients, so what happens isn't a complete turn-around - even when they are broke, they can wire home for more money. But it's surprising how undramatic what happens that turns a sweet, middle-class med student into a revolutionary.

The scenery throughout Latin America is beautiful and the two leads are very affecting, especially Gael García Bernal as Ernesto Guevara de la Serna when 'Che' is still nascent. 'The Motorcycle Diaries' (Diarios de motocicleta) works more effectively as a bio-pic than on its own as a road movie.

The Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto Che Guevara