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The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

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From Time Out Film Guide

Salles' exhilaratingly relaxed re-creation of the epic voyage that young medical student Ernesto Guevara (Bernal) took around South America in 1952 together with the biochemist Alberto Granado (de la Serna) is both a light-touched examination of the kind of experiences that began turning the former into 'Che', and - thanks to the way the film crew welcomed the locals they encountered into the movie itself - a subtle reminder that the social and political problems facing Latin Americans back then are far from resolved. Often improvising along with his able and extremely charismatic actors, Salles concentrates on character and milieu rather than plot or 'message', so that even the duo's life-changing stay in an Amazonian leper colony is mercifully bereft of rhetoric and melodrama. Gautier's camera is adept at catching the telling glance or gesture, while Gustavo Santaolalla's music contributes to the overall freshness of the approach. Very fine indeed. (Based on The Motorcycle Diaries by Che Guevara and With Che Through Latin America by Alberto Granado.

Author: GA

Time Out Film Guide

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User reviews of this film

Ollie Hawking said...

Posted on Nov 24 2010 15:57 Uplifting music, expansive photography and absorbing performances, Don't let the motorcycle bit put you off, if your not a biker like me, it isn't about motorcyling. The bike doesn't survive the first 45 mins! Please just watch this film. Truly brilliant.

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