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October 12, 2004
‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ provokes thought for Hamline student
There’s something enticing about knowing you’re the first to do something. Thus, for two Argentinean friends, a 5,000 mile journey across South America seemed like a great plan.
Motorcycle Diaries is a movie adapted from the journals of two historical figures: Alberto Granado and Ernest Guevara de le Sernačthe latter of whom would become “El Che.”
This film one of the first thought-provoking movies I’ve seen in a long time.
Now, before you write this movie off because I used the words “thought-provoking” in the same sentence with “movie,” let me explain what I mean and why you should experience this film for yourself. I understand where you’re coming from.
I, too, attend Hamline, where introduction courses should be called something like: Take this class if you want to learn 3000-level concepts and do 5000-level work rather than just Intro. So I understand that when you actually get a chance to sit down and watch a movie, you want to watch something that will take you to another world for awhile.
Something with motorcycles, something with bar fights, and and something with deep passion. Hah, I caught you! Add a little inspiration, morality, self-discovery, and we’re talking about Motorcycle Diaries.
“This is a film about the emotional and political choices we all have to make in life,” said director Walter Salles about his movie.
The journey begins in Buenos Aires, where two upper-middle-class doctors (one a biochemist and the other still in medical school) load a few possessions, including their journals, onto the bike they share, which they call “The Mighty One,” č a rather ironic name considering the condition of the bike.
Their goal is to travel 5,000 miles in four months and explore a continent they had only known previously from books.
The entire movie is narrated by the main character, Fuser, played by Gael Garcia Bernal, which provides an emotionally driven journey.
Throughout their travels, they encounter many obstacles, such as incidents with the weather, disagreements between friends, and “The Mighty One” constantly breaking down.
The two young men share the same impassioned spirits, restlessness, and love for the open road, which got them through the journey together. They didn’t quite complete the journey in the time they had allotted. In the end, they covered an enormous amount of ground, met people from countries all over the South American continent, and learned lessons to last a lifetime.
The screenplay in Motorcycle Diaries is wonderful; there is very compelling acting, a fantastic score, and alluring settings. I would recommend this movie to everyone. It’s great for a date or procrastinating for a couple of hours before homework. So go check out this great drama.
Posted by msveum at October 12, 2004 11:52 AM
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