Che Part 1 is an incredible piece of film making that is a moving and thought provoking journey into the life of one the 20th century’s most influential figures. Thanks to a career best performance from Benicio Del Toro and Steven Soderbergh’s confident direction, the first chapter is a mesmerising tale that attempts to look past the legend and tell the story of a man fighting for a better world. The movie is most successful in creating a three dimensional character, flaws and all, from an individual that modern discourse has reduced to a recognisable icon on a T-shirt void of meaning. How this film didn’t garner a single Academy award nomination is an absolute outrage.
Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara was the Argentine revolutionary, author, physician, military theorist and guerilla leader that became the iconic face of revolution and rebellion the world over. The first part in this two part series starts in 1956 as Che (Benicio Del Toro) meets Fidel Castro (Demian Bichir) and sets off on a path that would change Cuba’s history as they attempt to overthrow the country’s U.S. backed dictator.
The great:
Benicio Del Toro seems to have been born to play this role. From mannerism to the uncanny likeness, Del Toro brilliantly recreates the passion, charisma, intelligence and determination that made Che a leader. Del Toro has never been this captivating as his presence is so imposing that it makes even the most menial of actions seem fascinating. While ignored in the U.S. his performance did win Best Actor at last year’s Cannes Film Festival.
The good:
This could have easily become propaganda but Soderbergh seems intent on honouring the memory yet challenging several aspects of his sense of morality. This creates a rich story that develops with such focus on the minutia to make it seem like a documentary, perhaps the highest compliment for a biopic.
Also the last half hour plays like an enthralling war movie that displays the strategic genius or pure luck that allowed Castro’s army to take control of Cuba.
The not so good:
At two hours plus the film could have used a slight edit as an unnecessary lengthy geography lesson in the opening credits sets a strange tone for the film.
This is an epic movie in every sense of the word and the first part is a moving and thoughtful start. How this is concluded is yet to be seen in part 2 but as a standalone film it is an incredible cinematic achievement. Regardless of whether you agree with the politics the film is worth seeing for Del Toro’s commanding performance. A true festival highlight.
**** (4 stars)
Che part one - The Argentine screens at The Melbourne International Film Festival on Saturday, August 1 at 11.30am at the Forum and on Tuesday, August 4 at 4.45pm at the Kino. Head to the MIFF website for more information and tickets.
Here's the trailer: