‘Che’ is Artful but Not Practical
-----Benicio Del Toro is the man playing the infamous Che Guevara in this latest film about the revolutionary. While it’s certainly a long film at around four hours, I’m not the type of movie-goer to hold that against it. Unfortunately, most of the second half is unnecessary, and the whole project tells you relatively little about the accomplishments of Guevara.
-----‘Che’ is, naturally, the story of Che Guevara. He helped Fidel Castro get into power by leading the Cuban revolution. In his defense, Batista was pretty lame too. Che’s ultimate goal seemed to be an equal chance at living conditions, a communist himself. Unfortunately though, the film focuses mostly on the guerilla warfare during the revolutions in Cuba and Bolivia, rather than the reasons behind them.
-----Benicio Del Toro is the only notable actor in the film as the lead ‘Che.’ He looks so much like the real Che Guevara that the film almost feels like a documentary at times. His performance, mostly in Spanish, feels so authentic and true you won’t mind the long stretches of trudging through the jungle. His mood, inspiring speeches, and chemistry with his men bring to life the feelings of the Cuban people towards Che. Del Toro embodies him with such capability and ease that you’ll instantly grasp his mentality and devotion to his cause. And though the film lets on relatively little about his actions, there’s a certain valor to his commitment alone.
-----The cinematography is striking, showing the depths of the forest in ways that seem fresh, while also lending to the repetitive struggle that guerilla warfare is. There is even the occasional scene that is breathtaking, displaying locations you’ve never seen nor considered. Other than that there is little in the way of technical aspects. The makeup department does a skillful job of making Del Toro look like Che, and even in making him sick and worn. The costume department is also very effective in providing the feel and look of the 50s and 60s in Cuba and Bolivia.
-----The finished product is somewhat of a disappointment. Viewers who already know the Che back-story will probably find it an interesting look at the bulk of Che’s campaigns. However, the viewer uneducated on Che may find themselves frustrated as they try to understand exactly why Che is so special and loved. Regardless, there is some interesting footage of guerilla warfare, and the first half has an intriguing subplot about Che’s speeches at the U.N. The second half is, unfortunately, nearly all trudging through the forest, with all except for the last 10 minutes being unnecessary. However, thanks to Del Toro’s spectacular embodiment of this legendary figure, the film is worth renting to those interested in the subject material, or the art of acting.
