Review of Che: Part One (2008) by Jess K — 23 Dec 2010

Hero or murderer is a matter of perspective. Soderbergh's Che: Part One illustrates that being the central figure of the narrative means that outside judgment is meaningless. While the combat scenes are well done, with quick bursts of violence (overlaid by revolutionary theorizing) peaking with an extended and outstanding scene of urban warfare, the more compelling material comes from Guevara's visit to America for an address to the UN.

In particular, watching him interact with the bourgeoisie of New York society (people who would wear Che t-shirts while drinking 6-dollar coffee). The man may be comfortable in front of hostile crowds, whether actively seeking to kill him or not, but he is noticeably timid with those who are not.

Soderbergh's mastery of pacing and clean composition keep Part One moving and uncluttered (despite both city combat and a heavily populated story) without feeling forced. Hero or murderer, it happened - now make it work.