70
A smartly scoped story of great personal growth and transformation. It's not hard to see the personality/political basis for Che's later revolutionary actions.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
50
The New Yorker by Anthony Lane
Much of the film glides past with a slightly purposeless elegance. Astounding landscapes rise and fall away; enticing women glance and dance and disappear.
50
A gorgeously burnished vintage post card come to life, Motorcycle Diaries has about as much depth and emotional currency as the cardboard that post card would be stamped on.
60
Village Voice by Jessica Winter
Lovely to look at but insipid.
70
Handsomely shot by Brazilian director Walter Salles and beautifully played by the two leads, The Motorcycle Diaries would amount to little more than a minor, softly politically conscious coming-of-age story, if not for its historical context.
58
Entertainment Weekly by Owen Gleiberman
Glazed over by its worship of Che Guevara.
80
New York Magazine (Vulture) by Peter Rainer
The film is a deeply felt and beautifully acted hagiography.
88
Rolling Stone by Peter Travers
A mesmerizing look at an asthmatic, rich-boy medical student in the act of discovering his insurgent spirit.
80
This intelligently made picture is artful but not arty, political without being didactic.
The film isn't exceptionally great or anything. For a film about Che Guevara it is notably apolitical and seems to have no clear consciousness of exactly what statement it wants to make. That being said, it is well acted and has some stunning cinematography. It's worth a watch if only for the beautiful scenery and even more beautiful Gael Garcia Bernal.