2004, USA/Germany/UK/Argentina/Chile/Peru/France
Adventure, Biography, Drama
Begun as a farewell to youth and an adventure along the South American west coast, Ernesto Guevara and Alberto Granado do not realize just how far they will travel on their journey -- physically and spiritually. With a goal of 5000km between Argentina and Venezuela to be accomplished within four months on the back of a quickly deteriorating motorcycle, these two discover the strangers that are within their own continent.
Brilliant director Walter Salles (Behind the Sun, Central Station) brings to life the chronicle of a young Guevara in 1952, before he became the 60s Cuban revolutionary icon known only by too many as a cool T-shirt image. Salles has proven himself a master storyteller for his Brazilian homeland and focuses well on the struggles of his people. In this film, he expands to Latin America as a whole, much as Guevara learned to look beyond his Argentinean borders and recognize his connection with the different cultures of South America.
Though Salles does not involve his usual cinematographer, the fantastic Walter Carvalho, the vision is just as beautiful through the eyes of Eric Gautier. Gautier provides striking images of the country the two adventurers travel through, intermixed with seemingly black-and-white stills of people that are actually in semi-frozen motion. Gustavo Santaolalla incorporates a sparse but lovely soundtrack that helps to intone the two men's thoughts and growth.
Gael García Bernal (Bad Education) possesses Guevara's curiosity and compassion in a beautiful rendering. In his international breakthrough role Y tu mamá también, his character passes through his journey unaware of the troubled slices of life that surround him. In this film, his character absorbs every ache and struggle that he witnesses along the road, from farmers thrown from their land and forced into dangerous mines to lepers isolated from all human touch.
Weakened by severe asthma and brutal honesty, he is much aided by his compadre Granado. Though both have entered medical fields (Guevara about to finish med school, Granado already a biochemist), Granado is not shy about exaggerating their abilities in order to assist their travels. Performed enthusiastically and passionately by Latin TV star Rodrigo De la Serna, he succeeds in finding excitement and quick bits of happiness wherever he can, even if he must lie to achieve them.
No matter what the opinion of the man who evolved into Che, there is no denying the heartfelt compassion for the socio-economic injustices that are portrayed. It is hard to argue against an ideal where all are treated equally and native customs are not dissolved from eroding modern waves. As these two men were traveling on a jaunt, others were traveling to escape harsh realities. To gain empathy, one must walk in another man's shoes. Salles and company do their best to provide a snug fit for Che and Granado's new soles.
A nice set of DVD extras includes deleted scenes, a short interview with the real Granado, and TV interviews with Bernal. Also included is background text for cast and crew, an interview with Santaolalla, and a making-of featurette.
Comments (1)
This is a fascinating feast, an introduction to other, epic worlds. We are introduced to the obscure world of the creation(perhaps more legendary than historical) of Che Guevera, the magnificently beautiful world of the South America geography of the Andes, the Amazon, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and the intimate world of two friends, each learning about himself, the other, society and life. A must see.
Posted by Louise | December 9, 2006 8:27 AM
Posted on December 9, 2006 08:27