Che: Part One [DVD]

`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.

Where to begin? Probably by saying that I've considered myself a socialist of some description for most of my adult life, despite not growing up in South America, experiencing dictatorial regimes or exposure to societies or eras in which the carrying of arms is/was more common or accepted as a 'way of life'. There's no such thing as an innocent reading, said Louis Althusser, and there will be no exception to that statement here. Che Part One is a thoughtful, well-executed and - let's be honest - exciting depiction of a period in 20th Century history that deserves this unprecedented and extended treatment. Benicio Del Toro portrays the mature Che as the uncompromising and intelligent revolutionary some of us may have gleaned from between the lines of the official and commercial recycling machine. I rented this film with the vague sense of dread that accompanies any situations where you are worried that something (or someone) you've always vaguely considered inspirational could be ruined by a heavy-handed or bombastic approach. There was none of that here. The sequences of fighting and interviews interspersed with quotes from Che or his diaries are the furthest thing possible from an attempt at ideological indoctrination - what we get is clarity of thought emerging from concrete situations and eloquent countering of facile argument. While neither this film nor it's sequel take us into the later history of Cuba under Castro and subsequent claims of human rights abuse, what we do get is a portrayal of events that makes it clear how a genuine political sequence opens up the scope of freedom and possibility within a people or nation in a way that seemed inconceivable beforehand. My personal highlight is a scene in which Che takes over the operation of some of the heavier ordinance from a slightly inexperienced recruit. No more sermonising, best just to check it out for yourself.

As I understand it, this film almost didn't get made. Mainstream studios didn't really want to touch it, even given Soderberg and Del Toro's involvement, and they didn't like it that it was all in Spanish!

I think there are probably three types of people who will come to the experience: those who know nothing about the man, those who know nothing except that famous picture (I'm in this group) and those who live and breath every biographical fact. I think all will come away happy.

Now, getting the tough stuff out of the way: it's a bit of a demanding watch. If you don't know who's who, it's a bit of a struggle to start with. The story plays out over several time periods, so you have to pay attention. Also, the pace is slightly off-putting at first because the usual 'plot points' and 'act crescendos' have been abandoned altogther. Soderberg had said he wanted his film to be like all the other scenes a conventional biography would have left out or chopped down.

If I am completely honest, I did find it a bit hard going in places, but reflecting now, it feels all the richer an experience because, somehow, the simple unfolding style allows you to really take in the nature of the main people and circumstances involved. As always with a biog film, you wonder how much is accurate and true, but Che the character comes across as very compelling. Straightforward in his belief that imperialism and capitalsim was at the source of much of the world's woes, he committed himself to bringing it down.

A great performance from Del Toro, not overplayed, but with beliveable steadfastness of a man who is intent upon doing what he feels is right. There isn't any shying away from the fact that the revolution was obviously a violent time, and Che clearly played his part in that.

It's easy to see how this film could have been made much more conventionally (epic soundtrack, lots of english actors in supporting roles etc etc) but it goes off in another direction completely, and I find that to be a great thing, in the end. It all feels much more akin to a documentary, sort of 'spending some time with people', rather than a full in-your-face production and that leaves, I think, a lot of room for personal reflection - almost a space in the film for the viewer him/herself. A chance to consider what YOU feel about the film and it's subject matter: was the revolution right? Were Che and Castro right? Do their views still matter today? For me personally, the thing which most came across was the question of personal committment: that if one person believes in something completely, then really anything at all can happen, and actions can continue to resonate long into the future.

And finally, a brilliantly quirky ending which sort of cuts the end of the tale short, but in such a way that you don't mind.

Well worth checking out - I'm looking forward to seeing part two.