Review of Che: Part One (2008) by Craig P — 30 Apr 2009

For anyone expecting a "Braveheart"-style exploration of a legendary historical figure, I have two words: forget it. Steven Soderbergh's "Che" is a different kind of biopic - one that makes its subject - his beliefs, his politics, his character - more important than a blustery, battle-filled, romantic view of a man.

'The Argentine' is about Che's involvement in the Cuban Revolution, where he, along with Fidel Castro and a few others, overthrew the government of dictator Fulgencio Batista. Benicio Del Toro, in a towering performance, is truly brilliant as Che, totally embodying the character in an acting tour-de-force.

Soderbergh fills the screen with humanity and struggle, giving his characters and their ideologies time to think and breathe.