Movies

Based on a true life story, The Motorcycle Diaries is an inspiring and thrilling adventure that traces the youthful origins of a revolutionary spirit. The film follows two daring friends, Ernesto "Che" Guevara (Gael Garcia Bernal, Y Tu Mama Tambien) and Alberto Granado (Rodrigo de la Serna), who hop on the back of a beat-up motorcycle for a breathtaking and exciting road trip across Latin America. From executive producer Robert Redford and acclaimed director Walter Salles (Central Station) comes a life-changing journey that critics are hailing as "Magnificent!" (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone)

Based on a "true life story." If you pick up the same double meaning I found there, give yourself a cookie. It is a story based in true life, but also a story of a true life. You can play with the emphasis as you say the words. Based on a true life-story or based on a true-life story. I love that.

Take two young men with futures nearly as bright as they can be, and set them loose on a journey across a continent with nothing but their own stubborn unwillingness to quit to get them from point A to point B.

It took me far too long to see this movie. I wanted to from the first preview I saw and I make no excuses for the delay. All I can tell you is that you should not wait as I did. This was truly a beautiful movie and any praise it has received in the past along with any it gets in the future is more than merited. And I will go ahead and say it: Gael Garcia Bernal is probably the most likeable on screen personality of our generation.

Some may disagree with the actions Ernesto Guevara took later in his life, many of which resulting from experiences gained on the trip chronicled in this movie. I respect this opinion, but I do not think that should prevent you from seeing and even enjoying The Motorcycle Diaries.

I found it a bit odd that there was so little emphasis on the danger involved in two young men traveling around South America with no money and even less outdoor experience, but the movie was not about the literal journey. The figurative journey that both men took was special to witness. The kindness and compassion that especially Guevara exhibited towards others was moving.

Go rent, or even buy The Motorcycle Diaries. I recommend this one to you all, even in consideration of the relatively harsh language used at times. (This movie is subtitled.)

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