2008 Woodie Awards
The Motorcycle Diaries: A Beautiful Coming-of-Age-Story
Katie Meyer
Issue date: 10/13/04 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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Che Guevara has become a global icon throughout the past five decades, and it seems as if his face has become ubiquitous with tee shirts, patches, and bumper stickers. However, few people know the man beneath the image and symbol that he represents. Walter Salle's recent film, The Motorcycle Diaries gives a stunning glimpse of Ernesto "Che" Guevara before the legend, and illustrates the evolution of an ideology.
The Motorcycle Diaries is a film based upon Ernesto Guevara and Alberto Granado's memoirs of the same title. It is the tale of two young men's expedition across Latin America with nothing but a rusty motorcycle and their passion for the unknown abyss. Throughout the film, the audience begins to see more than just a simple coming of age story; they witness the birth of a legendary political revolutionary. The focus is not on one's agreement with Che Guevara's ideals, it is instead being able to appreciate one man's journey from a trapped youth to a man with the world at his fingertips.
The Motorcycle Diaries is a beautiful film directed by Walter Salles. Salles spectacularly balances the illustrative and vivid narratives of Che and the gorgeous Latin American landscape while keeping the audience both captivated and interested. Salles uses both the art of the camera and the advantages of a stellar musical score to create an enticing and touching film.
A decent film needs to be well written and executed in a creative and original manner, yet that which renders a film incomparable is the performances captured on the screen. It is then when an actor is able to use his ability to emphasize and reveal the other excellent aspects of the film, such as cinematography, dialogue, and the mise en scene. Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal does all of this and more as the film's hero, Che. Bernal has been on the radar of many foreign and art house film fans since his role in the groundbreaking coming of age film, Y Tu Mama Tambien. It is in The Motorcycle Diaries, however, where his phenomenal range as an actor is finally exemplified for audiences. His passion and versatility shines throughout the entire film as he beautifully captures Che's feelings and personal growth during his trip. Rodrego de la Serna is equally convincing as Che's trusting and loyal friend, Alberto. De la Serna has a knack for comic timing and provides much of the comic relief throughout the film.
While The Motorcycle Diaries is a fantastic film, it could leave those who do not know the story of Che with the wrong impression his legacy. It should be understood that this film is simply about Che's realization of what would soon be his ideology and foundation for his future political career. Unfortunately, since it is based upon the memoirs of Che, it could be considered a somewhat inaccurate and biased portrayal of his life.
The Motorcycle Diaries is a touching coming of age story about two young men who trek across Latin America only to find self-discovery and a bruised society. Director, Walter Salles creates a fascinating film thanks to the wonderful cinematography and a terrific cast. The Motorcycle Diaries will leave audiences touched and moved.
The Motorcycle Diaries is a film based upon Ernesto Guevara and Alberto Granado's memoirs of the same title. It is the tale of two young men's expedition across Latin America with nothing but a rusty motorcycle and their passion for the unknown abyss. Throughout the film, the audience begins to see more than just a simple coming of age story; they witness the birth of a legendary political revolutionary. The focus is not on one's agreement with Che Guevara's ideals, it is instead being able to appreciate one man's journey from a trapped youth to a man with the world at his fingertips.
The Motorcycle Diaries is a beautiful film directed by Walter Salles. Salles spectacularly balances the illustrative and vivid narratives of Che and the gorgeous Latin American landscape while keeping the audience both captivated and interested. Salles uses both the art of the camera and the advantages of a stellar musical score to create an enticing and touching film.
A decent film needs to be well written and executed in a creative and original manner, yet that which renders a film incomparable is the performances captured on the screen. It is then when an actor is able to use his ability to emphasize and reveal the other excellent aspects of the film, such as cinematography, dialogue, and the mise en scene. Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal does all of this and more as the film's hero, Che. Bernal has been on the radar of many foreign and art house film fans since his role in the groundbreaking coming of age film, Y Tu Mama Tambien. It is in The Motorcycle Diaries, however, where his phenomenal range as an actor is finally exemplified for audiences. His passion and versatility shines throughout the entire film as he beautifully captures Che's feelings and personal growth during his trip. Rodrego de la Serna is equally convincing as Che's trusting and loyal friend, Alberto. De la Serna has a knack for comic timing and provides much of the comic relief throughout the film.
While The Motorcycle Diaries is a fantastic film, it could leave those who do not know the story of Che with the wrong impression his legacy. It should be understood that this film is simply about Che's realization of what would soon be his ideology and foundation for his future political career. Unfortunately, since it is based upon the memoirs of Che, it could be considered a somewhat inaccurate and biased portrayal of his life.
The Motorcycle Diaries is a touching coming of age story about two young men who trek across Latin America only to find self-discovery and a bruised society. Director, Walter Salles creates a fascinating film thanks to the wonderful cinematography and a terrific cast. The Motorcycle Diaries will leave audiences touched and moved.