Rent Che: Part 1 (2008)

Be warned, matchsticks required - Che: Part 1 review by CP Customer

I am used to watching subtitled films so the thought of watching parts one and two I felt undaunting, however nothing prepared me for the death defyingly slow story line that ensues. David Lean would have cropped an hour of the total of these two films and you might be left with a great film. The acting and camera work are superb. This I feel was intended to be a big political statement on behalf of a great man but turns out an endless tramp through jungle with politics as the conversation piece.

I normaly love this type of film but it fell far short of expectation.

The extra added problem is awaiting part two to arrive this does not make a difficult film easy.

Epic In Every Sense - Che: Part 1 review by CP Customer

Tackling the enigma of Che was a huge risk for Soderbergh. A labour of love for Del Toro, the finished article is a faithful historical epic, with a fine lead performance. As a film it is fractured, uneven and jumps around. It demands dedication from the viewer and although I enjoyed certain segments, it feels bloated and is difficult to recommend to many.

Fair Tribute to Noble Revolutionary - Che: Part 1 review by CV

Contrary to the reviews I have just read, I quite appreciated this leisurely documentary style portrayal of Che Guevara. I found the detailed incidents: the interaction with individuals of the public and the comradely relationship with his fellow revolutionaries quite informative and gave rounding to the character of the man. The drama held my attention throughout and the switch to black and white sequences for newsreel scenes was very effective. The film is also in Spanish, as the director says, to avoid the irony of revolutionaries speaking the same language of the imperialists they are opposing! The director has deliberately omitted details of Guevara's private life which also kept the film distinctive from Hollywood forms. I'm looking forward to Part 2.