Che: The Argentine (15)

Starring Benicio del Toro, Julia Ormond

Directed by Steven Soderbergh

What does it take to be a true revolutionary? Love. Love of one’s country, it’s people, and the future for which you are fighting. And who greater a revolutionary than the inspirational Marxist, Ernesto “Che” Guevara?

Soderbergh’s 4 hour epic was first screened at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, but has been cut into two halves for cinema distribution. Part one (“The Argentine”) tells the story of the Cuban Revolution of 1958/9. Under the leadership of Fidel Castro, Che and his fellow revolutionaries fight to otherthrow Batista’s dictatorship.

The 2 hour film follows Castro's army of Cuban exiles, as they work their way through the country using Guerilla fighting techniques. Among these freedom-fighters is Ernesto 'Che' Guevara (Benicio Del Toro), a cigar smoking, ironic, no-nonsense kind of guy. An inspiration to his fellow guerillas, and a symbol of peace for generations to follow, Che is portrayed beautifully by Del Toro, who is surely the dark horse for an Oscar in February.

Juxtaposed with scenes of forest and city-based fighting, are black and white conference scenes set in America, during the 1960s. Guevara speaks to an assembly of nations, is interviewed on the television and appears to achieved an almost celebrity-like status in the States. Although these contrasting scenes could be seen as successful in providing insight into what was to come for Che, I personally felt that this was where the film fell down. These scenes weren't needed and by interrupting the film's action, I hold them to blame for a film that didn't have a particularly good flow. Saying this, they helped to develop the character of Che. By allowing us to see him out of his comfort zone (fighting), this perhaps allowed the audience to develop a deeper connection with him.

Anybody who knows the story of the Cuban Revolution will know whether or not Castro's men were successful in their plight to overthrow Batista. But for those of you who don't know, I shan't spoil the film's ending... perhaps you should go and see it for yourself.

Not an easy film to watch, I wouldn't recommend "Che" to your average cinema-goer. If you want a light-hearted, American, hollywood style film, then forget this one. However, if you're an arthouse lover, appreciative of an excellent cast, stunning cinematography and the events that have shaped our world today, can cope with subtitles and can sit through over 2 hours of tanks, rockets, guns, jungle, freedom-fighters and Cuban cigars, then go for it.

Perhaps a little overrated, but worth a watch all the same. And for those who enjoy it, part 2- "Guerilla"- is out in February.