The beauty of the South American landscape and of Gael Garcia Bernal (Y Tu Mama Tambien, Bad Education) gives The Motorcycle Diaries a charisma that is decidedly apolitical. But this portrait of the young Che Guevara (later to become a militant revolutionary) is half buddy-movie, half social commentary--and while that may seem an unholy hybrid, under the guidance of Brazillian director Walter Salles (Central Station) the movie is quietly passionate. Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado (Rodrigo de la Serna, a lusty and engaging actor) set off from Buenos Aires, hoping to circumnavigate the continent on a leaky motorcycle. They end up travelling more by foot, hitchhiking, and raft, but their experience of the land and the people affects them profoundly. No movie could affect an audience the same way, but The Motorcycle Diaries gives a soulful glimpse of an awakening social conscience, and that's worth experiencing. --Bret Fetzer

Great movie. Too bad Che turned into such a lunatic after this period in his life.

Rarely is it easy to make the distinction between social history and cultural mythology. And to create a film to represent the lives of complex historical figures is a daunting task, yet Walter Salles has proven that he is more than capable of creating such a film. In The Motorcycle Diaries we are shown an approximation of the early life of Ernesto Guevara, the man who would eventually recognized worldwide as the revolutionary Che Guevara.

The story begins in Argentina where friends Ernesto Guevara (Gael García Bernal) and Alberto Granado (Rodrigo de la Serna) decide to take a motorcycle trip across South America. Both are studying to become doctors but are restless and wish to see more of their land, learn more of its history, people and culture. Their trek will take them on an amazing journey of over 8000 kilometers and will end in Venezuela at the Guajira Peninsula. Their route will take them through Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Chile, the Andes and into the Peruvian Amazon. They get off to a rough start, barely avoiding serious accidents and experiencing numerous mechanical problems. The motorcycle, a Norton 500 from 1939, is dilapidated and causes many difficulties. But their early misadventures are soon overshadowed by their realization that much of South America is divided, culturally and economically. Ernesto and Alberto witness the turmoil of their land and it changes them profoundly. While Alberto acknowledges the troubles of the people and sympathizes with them, Ernesto takes them to heart and understands the need for action. The faces of the downtrodden, the diseased and the impoverished haunt him. A new conviction is born within him, a new cause for his existence and he is given something to fight for. He craves revolution and the unity of Latin America.

The film gives a humanistic portrait of a man who has been idolized by young political radicals, respected by social reformers and admired by philosophers. But the man known as Che is more than just a symbol of revolution. He was above all a complicated man capable of sincerity, compassion and instituting great change. For those who are already familiar with his life, this film will deepen your understanding and appreciation of him. For those unfamiliar with Che, the film is a wonderful introduction to a fascinating man.
The film is driven by powerful performances from its two leading men, who enrich their characters with impetuosity, angst, empathy and humor. The music ingeniously captures the flavor of South American culture while imbuing the film with the angst of youthful rebellion. The Motorcycle Diaries is a film that should not be missed.

Also recommended:
The Motorcycle Diaries
Guerrilla Warfare
Che Guevara on Global Justice
Che Guevara Reader: Writings on Politics & Revolution
Traveling with Che Guevara: The Making of a Revolutionary
Che Guevara: Revolutionary and Icon
The Che Handbook
Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life

I've read all the 1 star reviews about who Che became, and of course his revolutionary bent, etc. This is not what this film was about. All that came later, and can be judged by history. What this film was about, however, is a true, as real as it gets, soul searching journey by two young Argentinian men who traverse South America on motorcycle in order to see other landscapes and people. The poignancy and 'life lessons' they learn as they encounter injustices and poverty suffered by many of these people are very real and moving. 'Self-discovery' and empathy come in many forms, as these two shape their opinions on the human condition while two-wheeling it across many landscapes and cultures for 8 months. The scenery and landscapes are stunning and gorgeous, and the well-paced film has a very realistic feel to it that draws you in. HIGHLY recommended!

I think any one who enjoys a good foreign film will love this movie, It is subtitled but it only adds to the movie. A true, or as true as a film can be I guess of the early life of Che Guevara, when he was just forming his political views that caused him to join the revolution. Warning, if you are a Norton motorcycle buff the film may cause some grief when you see what they put the poor motorcycle thru. The film was shot in South America which only adds to the realism of the plight of the two class system that is prevelant in South America. A must see movie.

La película resulta bastante decepcionante porque retrata con una ingenuidad sorprendente la toma de conciencia de uno de los mas nefastos fanáticos que ha padecido latinoamerica. El personaje de Guevara resulta endeble y caricaturesco al extremo, con una carga de arrogancia insoportable.
Si eres un extranjero que no conoce nada de la historia de sudamerica como y estas habituado al folklore revolucionario que existe al respecto, como la música del francés Manu Chao, tal ves la disfrutes.
Lo único rescatable son la actuación del compañero de Guevara, Alberto Granado, quien aporta humor y el toque de humanidad ausente en el protagonista, junto a los bellísimos paisajes de America Latina. Pero para eso mejor es ver un documental de viajes.