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Movie Reviews

THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES

Release Date:
Thursday, December 16, 2004

PalaceNova Eastend, Adelaide


Synopsis:	‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ follows an inspiring journey of self-discovery and traces the youthful origins of a revolutionary heart. The rich and complex human and social topography of the Latin American continent is unveiled in all its glory as two friends experience life at its fullest. The film, directed by Walter Salles, is adapted by José Rivera from the journals of two real-life young Argentines, Alberto Granado and Ernesto Guevara de la Serna - the latter of whom would become "El Che". In January 1952, Ernesto (played by Gael García Bernal) is a 23-year-old medical student specializing in leprology. Alberto (Rodrigo de la Serna), age 29, is a biochemist. The two men bid goodbye to their families and to Ernesto's girlfriend Chichina Ferreyra (Mía Maestro). Flush with a romantic sense of adventure, they pile onto Alberto's 1939 Norton 500 motorcycle (nicknamed "La Poderosa" -"The Mighty One"). The aging bike carries them farther and farther away from familiar and comfortable Buenos Aires surroundings, to surprising and exciting destinations. The two friends become as close as brothers. Over the course of eight months and 8,000 miles, what starts out as a lark becomes a profound journey of discovery, not only of themselves but of a continent filled with infinite sorrow - and infinite hope. From homeless miners to riverboat prostitutes, from lepers to prosperous gentry, Ernesto and Alberto discover an affinity for humanity within themselves, and a determination to change the world.

Verdict:	‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ is a road trip unlike any other, a rather massive understatement. This is a very ambitious journey taken by two young Argentinean men who initially had no idea of the enormity of their expedition. Ernesto "Che" Guevara and Alberto Granado set out in 1952 on an 8 000-mile trip to explore ‘their’ America. Their families are reluctant to see them go yet wish them well and offer some understanding of the men’s rationale for the trip. Ernesto promises to write to keep the family informed of their journey, which he does in a journal. Before long, their poor excuse for transport – Alberto’s motorcycle – is causing them grief as they travel along dirt tracks, in all kinds of weather and without much knowledge of repairs. They are sometimes forced to find food and accommodation for themselves by often resorting to telling a few white lies to locals. Frequently it was Alberto who would be embellishing the truth to get them further along their journey, with Ernesto agreeing with him after he realised what Alberto’s intention was, using their careers as a highlight of their importance. The banter between Alberto and Ernesto is delightful and was obviously one way to maintain their sanity as they covered every terrain imaginable –from blinding snow to searing deserts. Along the trip there is a growing sense of Ernesto’s unrest and anxiety with situations that he feels are inadequate – the homeless and immense poverty especially. You can feel his inner turmoil growing and by the time they reach the hospital for lepers where they will volunteer for over 3 weeks, he is convinced there is so much that can change and his wanting to be a part of that change. ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ is a part history lesson, part travel diary played so well by an intense looking Gael García Bernal and a cheeky looking Rodrigo de la Serna. It is perhaps a little too long with the final hospital section dragging a bit but that is really only a minor blemish. It was certainly a fascinating journey to watch. NB: This movie is subtitled and at times the subtitles were hard to read, because of their speed and blending into the background, which can sometimes make it very frustrating.

Cast:

Gael García Bernal, Rodrigo De la Serna, Mia Maestro, Mercedes Morán, Jean Pierre Noher, Lucas Oro, Marina Glezer

Director:

Walter Salles

Writer:

Jose Rivera

Genre:

Drama/Adventure

Rated:

M medium level coarse language

Runtime:

126 minutes

Other:

Subtitled in English

Reviewed by:

80/100

Christina Bruce

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