Customer Reviews

CHE El Argentino (Che: Part One) [*NTSC/REGION 1 & 4 DVD. Import-Latin America] Benicio del Toro - No English options

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I haven't watched this film in a long time, so I don't remember much. I mean, I watched it when it came out in theatres in America. I remember feeling that it was great. The movie was so long, so they decided to split it into two. I think it's a great idea but, at the time, I was prepared to watch the full thing. I had to make two trips, but I didn't mind. Bernicio did a great job portraying Che Guevara. It's just that I am not a huge fan of watching films with subtitles. It's a bit annoying having to split my attention between the pictures and the words, but I highly recommend part1.

`Che Part One' (aka as The Argentine) explores Che Guevara's experiences during the Cuban Revolution based on his own Cuban diaries. It looks at how he developed as a revolutionary and how Castro gave him more and more responsibility as his talents grew. He comes across as idealistic and honest and looked after both his men and the peasants in the areas he fought in. Del Toro acts superbly throughout and you could really believe this is a documentary, rather than a film, as the acting and direction is so good. This is shot mostly in Spanish, with subtitles, which adds authenticity to the film and isn't a hindrance to understanding or enjoyment. This film also uses colour and black and white cinematography to good effect. The revolution part of the film is shot in colour and the scenes where Che is talking at the U.N. after the war has been won is shot in black and white. This is very effective and gives the film a historical feel to it. Having read the book I know that rather being a exact chronology of the revolutionary war, it is rather a series of the exploits, battles and experiences as told by Che. This film follows the same format and if you don't know some of the history of the Cuban issue it may be confusing at times. For example it make reference to the Bay of Pigs (where the U.S. sponsored an invasion of Cuba) but doesn't really specify any other information about it for those unaware of the history. Although in the films defence I am guessing the kind of person who would want to see this film would have a rudimentary understanding of the war and general history in the first place. This is quite slow moving at times and isn't good for those expecting an all Hollywood action movie, but if you enjoy authentic feeling bio-pics then this is well considering. It is brilliantly acted, has amazing locations and shines a light on the character of a twentieth century icon.

Feel free to check out my blog which can be found on my profile page.

Benicio Del Toro and Demian Bichir were great in this film.
Too bad it did not play in more theaters nationwide. Just get the DVD and watch it.