The Motorcycle Diaries
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
A superb film.
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.
Soulful and reflective film, as gentle as it is potent.
A mesmerizing look at an asthmatic, rich-boy medical student in the act of discovering his insurgent spirit.
More coming-of-age story than biopic, this Guevara odyssey is a transformative adventure well worth watching.
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)
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