Review of Che: Part One (2008) by Cody U — 30 Jul 2010
Clocking in at over 4 hours, this was one of the most sprawling war epics ever put to film. Che is easily Steven Soderbergh's most interesting film since Traffic. This first part covers Che's life and involvement in the Cuban Revolution, his relationship with Fidel Castro, and the rebel's eventual victory over the Batista regime.
Benicio Del Toro gives an amazing, best-actor worthy performance as Che Guevara. Definitely his best role to date. Soderbergh's decision to inter-cut the advancement of the revolution with a black-and-white, stock footage-looking portrayal of Che's 1964 trip to speak to the UN was a great one.
It really helped in understanding Che's role in the revolution along with his role in Cuban and international politics. The entire film is beautifully shot and the battle sequences were all very well-done, especially the Battle of Santa Clara at the end where the rebels essentially won the war.
I really enjoyed this massive film as a whole, but this first part is probably my favorite of the two just because it has more action and ends in a victory for Che.
This review of Che: Part One (2008) was written by Cody U on 30 Jul 2010.
Che: Part One has generally received positive reviews.
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