Review of Che: Part One (2008) by Peter G — 05 Jun 2010

I am always captivated by Benicio Del Toro, so perhaps I went into this movie biased. I'd watch him read the phone book...to someone else. Also, I became somewhat distracted early on by a very familiar waterfall and the sounds of coqui.

Turns out, much of this film was shot on location in Puerto Rico (I didn't know that going in). Those things aside, the pace was slow but where some might find it boring I found it appropriate. Effective, even.

If you already are a Guevara "fan," this movie probably will make you more so. Was he charming? Indeed. But also genuine and oddly (given the circumstances) humane. He does appear to have been a man of principle who was dedicated to the socialist/communist ideal.

In fact, it appears he honestly thought that idea was possible. I tend to be skeptical of biopics--they always have a bias--but something about this one feel more authentic. Perhaps it is because this movie is based on Guevara's own memoirs.

Is it possible I'm under his spell? Probably.