The Motorcycle Diaries

2004 Drama

Brazilian director Walter Salles Jr. follows up the Golden Globe-nominated Behind the Sun with this filmed adaptation of Argentinian-born Cuban revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara's journals of the same name. The Motorcycle Diaries stars Gael García Bernal (Y Tu Mamá También, Amores Perros) as a young, pre-revolution Guevara, a 23-year-old medical student in 1952 traveling across South America on a motorcycle with his friend Alberto Granado (Rodrigo de la Serna), who co-wrote the source material. As they embark on their journey, both young men come of age and find their individual world views broadened farther than they ever expected. The Motorcycle Diaries premiered at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival.

Director: Walter Salles

Starring: Gael Garcia Bernal, Rodrigo de la Serna, Mia Maestro, Mercedes Moran, Jean-Pierre Noher

Reviews

  • A superb film.

    Carla Meyer - The San Francisco Chronicle

    20 January 2013

  • Mr. Bernal's soulful, magnetic performance notwithstanding, the real star of the film is South America itself, revealed in the cinematographer Eric Gautier's misty green images as a land of jarring and enigmatic beauty.

    Dana Stevens - The New York Times

    20 January 2013

  • Soulful and reflective film, as gentle as it is potent.

    Kenneth Turan - Los Angeles Times

    20 January 2013

  • A mesmerizing look at an asthmatic, rich-boy medical student in the act of discovering his insurgent spirit.

    Peter Travers - Rolling Stone

    20 January 2013

  • More coming-of-age story than biopic, this Guevara odyssey is a transformative adventure well worth watching.

    Claudia Puig - USA Today

    20 January 2013

Awards

  • Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song

    Academy Awards (2005)

  • Jose Rivera

    American Screenwriters Association (2005)

     
  • Best Actor (Mejor Actor Protagonico)

    Argentinean Film Critics Association Awards (2005)

  • Gustavo Santaolalla

    BAFTA Awards (2005)

  • Best Film

    Bangkok International Film Festival (2005)