The Motorcycle Diaries DVD Review:

1952, Ernesto Guevara de la Serna (Bernal) and Alberto Granado (De la Serna) wanted to achieve something spectacular before they started their careers in medicine and settled down. Alberto had planned an epic journey, on his motorcycle “The Mighty One”, that would take them from their Buenos Aires home in Argentina, through Chile, Peru, Columbia and finishing in Venezuela. They knew this would be a life-changing trip but for Ernesto it would be something much more because what he saw and what he experienced would change him forever, even giving him a new name. Ché Guevara.

Revolutionary, idealist and man of the people, Ché Guevara is one of the most documented people Latin American history, but what experiences drove him to be the man he became? The Motorcycle Diaries tries to answer this.

Based on the novel written by Ernesto Guevara de la Serna and Alberto Granado, the movie charts the pair’s epic life changing journey through South America, a journey that would change their lives forever. On their travels they would see the beauty of the continent but also the injustice and poverty the people lived in. In the 1950s the gap between the rich and the poor was extremely wide and both Ernesto and Alberto witnessed this throughout their travels and this had a profound effect on both of them.

Director Walter Salles and his crew handle the subject matter extremely well. This could have so easily turned into a political statement but what we have a movie that simply tells a story and opens you up to the influences and reasoning’s behind Guevara’s dramatic transformation from doctor to revolutionary. The film is a historical travel movie, filled with comedic moments, drama and the human spirit. Alberto’s attachment to his beloved 1939 Norton 500 is charming and his gift of the gab with everyone, especially women, provides the film with a real heart warming feel. Twenty-three year-old Ernesto view of the world changes forever when he leaves Argentina for the first time. He witnesses poverty and injustice that he never thought was possible and this is the real driving force of the movie. Through his experiences, the filmmakers show us why Guevara was driven to fight for his beliefs and how his outlook on life could have changed so much.

At the heart of this story are two outstanding performances from Gael García Bernal and Rodrigo De la Serna. Gael García Bernal proves again that he is an up and coming talent to watch. Through his performance you see the changes in Guevara from a young man in love to a hardened adventurer with a new vision of the world. Bernal shows these differences superbly as you can plainly see that the character is not the same person he was at the start of the film. Rodrigo De la Serna (Ché Guevara’s actual cousin) brings the fun to the movie as Alberto, a man that truly loves life. While Alberto is the comedic element of the film, there is still a noticeable change in the character’s thinking and approach to life, especially after the pair work in the leprosy colony. This could be a breakout role for the actor, who is mainly known for his TV work in Argentina.

The Motorcycle Diaries is a fascinating insight into the early life of Ché Guevara. Beautifully shot and excellently played, this is a movie that holds your attention throughout, drawing you into the characters and their amazing journey. The film doesn’t push any political or revolutionary agenda but sets out to show you why Ché Guevara became so passionate about his ideals and what would change a doctor into an idealist leader. This is why the film works and what makes it so enjoyable.

Star Rating = * * * *

PICTURE & SOUND

Presented in 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen with a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround soundtrack, this is an excellent transfer, as you’d except from a modern film. The majestic beauty of the South American landscape is vividly brought to life with a crystal clear picture. The sound quality is also first rate, emphasising Gustavo Santaolalla’s wonderful score.

BONUS FEATURES

Deleted Scenes (8.28 mins)

These three deleted scenes show Ernesto and Alberto procuring some wine, meeting the worst driver in South America and Ernesto hearing more of the Leper’s stories. Each of these could have easily been added back into the movie, but with a commentary track or introduction, we will never know why they were removed.

A moment with Alberto Granado (3.19 mins)

The real life Albert Granado talks about his life-changing journey with Ernesto Guevara. He reveals how the trip influenced his friend and his thoughts on the continent he discovered with him.

Making of The Motorcycle Diaries (22.01 mins)

Director Walter Salles, screenwriter José Rivera, producer Michael Nozik, executive producer Robert Redford, producer Rebecca Yeldham, stars Gael Garcia Bernal and Rodrigo De La Serna, Alberto Granado and Ché Guevara’s daughter Aleida Guevara talk about bringing ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ to the silver screen. The featurette outlines the comedy, themes and the journey, both physical and spiritually, that the movie portrays as we see Ernesto and Alberto grow during their epic expedition. With behind the scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew, the featurette comes into its own when we hear from Ché Guevara’s daughter Aleida and the real life Alberto Granado, as it makes the movie all the more relevant.

A moment with Gael Garcia Bernal (2.53 mins)

Al Rojo Vivo interview the star of the film and ask him about his career, influences and what got him into acting.

‘Toma Uno’ (Take One) with Gael Garcia Bernal (2.18 mins)

The star of the Motorcycle Diaries talks about his acting career, the movie and what he brings to the role of Ernesto.

Music of the Road: An Interview with composer Gustavo Santaolalla (3.12 mins)

The award winning composer talks about the role music plays in the movie, the South American influences behind the sound and how the music was written.

Cast and Filmmakers

Text biographies for Gael Garcia Bernal, Rodrigo De La Serna, Mia Maestro, director Walter Salles, screenwriter José Rivera, producer Michael Nozik, producer Edgard Tenenbaum, producer Karen Tenkhoff, executive producer Robert Redford, executive producer Paul Webster and executive producer Rebecca Yeldham.

OVERALL

An excellent movie gets a well-packaged DVD, especially when it is a foreign language picture. Everything is here, with the exception of a commentary track, as we find out more about the movie and the early life of Ché Guevara. This is a must buy for fans and a must rent for everyone who missed this on the silver screen.

DVD Star Rating = * * *

Jamie Kelwick

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