The Motorcycle DiariesWalter Salles' film is adapted from the journals of Ernesto 'Che' Guevara detailing his trek to Peru to take up a medical residency. Accompanying him are his jovial friend, Alberto Granado and of course, a motorcycle. The comaraderie of the two buddys is well played, as they bumble their way through Argentina, Chile and Brazil. In one scene they try to blag a free meal by chatting-up two ladies. Inevitably the motorcycle breaks down so they offer medical diagnosis for help.
It's all a million miles away from Guevara's future as a leader and icon. However, after they meet indigenous peasants who are forced to work the land for pittance, he can't hide his compassion. The poverty-stricken wanderers regail young Che with stories of injustice and sacrifice. They eventually reach a leper colony and experience first hand the need for medical supplies and resources for ordinary people.
At the end they separate pursuing different paths and we see the present day Granado close to tears as he remembers his friend.
Salles' film is at first a warm-hearted road trip turned poignant reality check,
without being overtly melodramatic and the acting is wicked.
