The Motorcycle Diaries is the compelling biopic based on the memoirs of Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara. The film recounts Che’s 1952 expedition across Latin America with his friend Alberto Granado as Guevara is transformed and politicised by the injustices he witnesses.
During their travels, Guevara and Granado encounter the poverty of indigenous peasants: they witness a penniless couple forced onto the road because of their communist beliefs in Chile; the maltreatment of workers at a Chuquicamata copper mine; the segregation of dark-skinned peasants; and observe the division of society whilst volunteering on a leper colony in Peru. These encounters with social injustice help crystallise Guevara’s belief in egalitarianism and a pan-Latin American identity.
The film expertly captures the adventure and humour of Che’s diary and Gael Garcia Bernal’s portrayal of Guevara’s political awakening – as he journeys from adolescent adventurer to Marxist revolutionary – is truly captivating.
In 2005 the Motorcycle Diaries won the BAFTA Film Award for Best Film not in the English Language.
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Che Part 1 & 2 - A Revolutionary Life
Spread over two explosive movies, Che: Part One and Part Two have gained fame for their unflinching, graphic and incredibly realistic depiction of guerrilla warfare.
Part One follows Guevara’s adventurous journey from his beginnings as a young, politically active physician to becoming one of the most iconic revolutionaries in Latin America. Meticulously re-enacting Che’s relentless quest to destroy the Batista dictatorship and bring freedom to Cuba, Part One marches towards an unforgettable, heart pounding, cinematic climax. Benicio del Toro’s depiction of Che is uncanny and – from his first meeting with Fidel Castro in the opening scene – the film gives tremendous insight into the Cuban revolution in terms of origins, philosophy and military tactics.
Part Two – in contrast – is a more sombre affair as Che journeys into the merciless terrain of the Bolivian jungle in an attempt to export revolution and build an international assault on imperialism. The insidious reach of America delves deep into the South American continent and – after being captured by CIA-backed troops – Che is unceremoniously executed.
Del Toro won the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival for his portrayal of Che with Cuban state newspaper Granma professing that he “personifies Che” in both his physical appearance and his “masterly interpretation”.
Part One follows Guevara’s adventurous journey from his beginnings as a young, politically active physician to becoming one of the most iconic revolutionaries in Latin America. Meticulously re-enacting Che’s relentless quest to destroy the Batista dictatorship and bring freedom to Cuba, Part One marches towards an unforgettable, heart pounding, cinematic climax. Benicio del Toro’s depiction of Che is uncanny and – from his first meeting with Fidel Castro in the opening scene – the film gives tremendous insight into the Cuban revolution in terms of origins, philosophy and military tactics.
Part Two – in contrast – is a more sombre affair as Che journeys into the merciless terrain of the Bolivian jungle in an attempt to export revolution and build an international assault on imperialism. The insidious reach of America delves deep into the South American continent and – after being captured by CIA-backed troops – Che is unceremoniously executed.
Del Toro won the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival for his portrayal of Che with Cuban state newspaper Granma professing that he “personifies Che” in both his physical appearance and his “masterly interpretation”.
Buy it now from our online shop
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