Che: Part One

Director:Steven Soderbergh
Writers (WGA):Peter Buchman (screenplay)Ernesto 'Che' Guevara (memoir "Reminiscences of the Cuban Revolutionary War")
Release Date:2 January 2009 (UK)
Genre:Biography Drama History War more

Plot:In 1956, Ernesto 'Che' Guevara (Benicio Del Toro) and a band of Castro-led Cuban exiles mobilize an army to topple the regime of dictator Fulgencio Batista.

Viewed 09/01/01
Score: 5/6

Che Guevara is an icon to the militant left. His role as revolutionary leader and key founder of Castro’s Cuba made him a cultural icon. This movie is based on his memoirs, and as such cannot be seen as un-biased.
Filmed in an understated, documentary-style manner, his actions are admirably un-glamorised, the director choosing to instead concentrate on historical accuracy, Che’s powerful personality plus his ability to recruit and inspire fervour in followers.
Going in, I was worried that it would play out as a propaganda piece for either those who view the subject as a messiah or those in the opposite camp. Happily my fears were unfounded.
I found myself drawn in by the subtle, sweeping cinematography, earthy performances and seeing how the revolution grew from the initial ‘invasion’ to the final victorious convoy into Havana.
Benicio Del Toro seemed born to play Guevara; I would suspect he was even channelling the revolutionary’s spirit if I believed in such things. Other cast members keep their characters subtle and life-like, adding to the overall effect.
Che: Part Two is due out in February, covering Guevara’s later, unsuccessful attempts at spreading revolution throughout South America; leading to his eventual execution.
Part one sets the bar very high for its successor.