Review of The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) by Phil B — 20 May 2010

The life of Ernesto Guevara or perhaps more appropriately the making of Che Guevara. A movie that opens with a wonderful sense of spontaneity and freedom, daring and zeal that evolves into something much deeper. Diarios di Motocicleta is not merely a breathtaking look at an epic continent's landscapes, it's how the world they see slowly takes on new meaning.

Living off strangers and often their trickery of them our wonderful duo (played by Gael Garcia Bernal and Rodrgio de La Serna) humanize their monumental journey with their laddish improvisations. The cinematography helps provide the wow factor meanwhile Gustavo Santaolalla's humble soundtrack brings out the more thoughtful and poignant elements of the great endeavor and really breathes life into our characters' deeper side.

The debate will always be there on whether or not Che was a saint or tyrant however this film celebrates life's ability to change and the beauty of an altruistic passion for humanity.