7 Documentaries about Che Guevara

Insight into the Revolutionary Life

Che Guevara remains one of the most iconic and controversial figures of the 20th century, his influence lingering long after his death. As a key player in the Cuban Revolution and a symbol of revolutionary struggle, his life has been extensively documented, providing various perspectives on his ideology and actions. These documentaries offer unique insights into the complexities and legacy of Che Guevara's life.

For those seeking to understand more about this enigmatic figure, numerous documentaries delve into different aspects of his journey, from his early years to his final moments. Each film provides a window into the historical and personal facets of Guevara's life, making them essential viewing for anyone interested in modern history and revolutionary movements.

1) The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

"The Motorcycle Diaries" is a biographical film, directed by Walter Salles, that traces the early travels of Ernesto "Che" Guevara. He was just a 23-year-old medical student when he embarked on this journey.

The film portrays Guevara's trip across South America with his friend Alberto Granado. They initially travel by motorcycle, a 1939 Norton 500cc named La Poderosa, meaning "The Mighty One."

Throughout the film, viewers witness the experiences and observations that deeply influenced Guevara's worldview. His encounters with the oppressed and the suffering highlight the journey's transformative impact.

The cast features Gael García Bernal as Ernesto Guevara and Rodrigo de la Serna as Alberto Granado. Their performances bring a sense of authenticity to this meaningful expedition.

For more information on "The Motorcycle Diaries," you can visit IMDb.

2) Che: Part One (2008)

"Che: Part One" is directed by Steven Soderbergh and released in 2008. This film offers a detailed look at Ernesto 'Che' Guevara during the Cuban Revolution.

Starring Benicio Del Toro as Che, the movie traces key moments from Guevara’s voyage aboard the Granma with Fidel Castro.

The portrayal highlights Guevara’s strategic mind and his crucial role in the guerrilla war against Fulgencio Batista's regime.

The narrative direction breaks from the traditional chronological order, providing a nuanced look at Che's development as a revolutionary.

Benicio Del Toro’s performance was widely acclaimed, earning a Best Actor award at Cannes.

The film avoids simplifying Guevara’s personality into martyrdom or sainthood, instead exploring his complexities.

For more information, visit Wikipedia or IMDb.

3) Che: Part Two (2008)

Steven Soderbergh directed "Che: Part Two," an intricate exploration of Ernesto 'Che' Guevara's ill-fated attempt to ignite a revolutionary war in Bolivia.

Released in 2008, this film stars Benicio Del Toro as Guevara, offering viewers a naturalistic portrayal of the man behind the icon.

Set in 1967, the storyline follows Guevara's journey through the Bolivian jungle.

Unlike typical biographical films, "Che: Part Two" delves into Guevara's daily struggles and strategies.

The film avoids glamorizing or vilifying the revolutionary leader, focusing instead on the reality of his last campaign.

The authenticity of the setting and narrative provides a poignant insight into the harsh conditions faced by Guevara and his small partisan army.

The movie serves as the second part of Soderbergh's two-part series about Che Guevara, with the first part titled "The Argentine."

This structure allows the films to chronicle different phases of Guevara’s revolutionary life.

For more information about Che: Part Two, visit the IMDb page.

4) Che Guevara: Beyond the Myth (2020)

"Che Guevara: Beyond the Myth" explores the life and impact of Ernesto "Che" Guevara through a critical lens. Released in 2020, the documentary aims to strip away the romanticized image often associated with the revolutionary figure.

Featuring on-camera testimonies and previously unseen documents, the film delves into the contradictions of Guevara's life and legacy.

The documentary examines how Guevara's iconic image has been endlessly reproduced, making him a symbol of revolution worldwide. Yet, it questions whether the real Guevara lived up to this myth.

Little-known archive footage enriches the narrative, presenting a more rounded portrayal of Guevara. In 53 minutes, the film looks at the man behind the legend and the circumstances that led to his enduring fame.

Available on platforms like MagellanTV, Prime Video, and Apple TV, this documentary provides a nuanced view that may challenge preconceived notions.

For more information, visit Amazon.

5) Che: Rise and Fall (2007)

Directed by Eduardo Montes-Bradley, "Che: Rise and Fall" is one of the most comprehensive documentaries covering the life of Ernesto "Che" Guevara.

The film was shot entirely in Cuba, capturing significant moments around the time when Guevara's remains were transported from Bolivia to their final resting place in Santa Clara.

The documentary consists of testimonies from Guevara's comrades, offering insights into his activities in Sierra Maestra, Congo, and Bolivia.

It also features Alberto Granado, Guevara's friend with whom he embarked on a famous motorcycle journey.

“Che: Rise and Fall” covers Guevara’s transformation from a young medical student in Argentina to a revolutionary figure participating in global guerrilla warfare.

The film provides a layered understanding of Guevara, delving into his personal and political life without resorting to glorification or vilification. Montes-Bradley crafts a detailed narrative that explores the trials and hardships faced by Guevara throughout his life.

With a runtime of 52 minutes, this documentary is accessible and packed with valuable historical content.

For more information, visit IMDb.

6) Ernesto 'Che' Guevara: The Bolivian Diary (1994)

This documentary delves into the intimate details of Che Guevara's final months during the guerilla struggle in Bolivia. It is based on Che's own notes penned between November 7, 1966, and October 7, 1967.

The film presents a meticulous account of his activities, strategic thoughts, and personal reflections. It utilizes Guevara's own narrative, as documented in his Bolivian Diary, to offer an unfiltered glimpse into his daily life and struggles.

Featuring interviews and archival footage, the documentary juxtaposes Guevara’s own words against contemporary reflections, shedding light on his tactical decisions and the brutal realities of guerilla warfare. The film’s raw honesty paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by Guevara and his fighters.

Through dramatization and historical context, the documentary encapsulates the spirit and the ultimate failure of the Bolivian campaign. It also provides insight into the socio-political climate of Bolivia during the 1960s, making it a valuable resource for understanding this chapter of Guevara's life.

More information about the film on IMDb

7) Chevolution (2008)

Chevolution is a documentary that examines the history and legacy of the iconic photo "Guerrillero Heroico," taken by Cuban photographer Alberto Díaz Gutiérrez, known as Alberto Korda. The film explores how this image of Che Guevara became emblematic and spread across various mediums globally.

Directed by Luis Lopez and Trisha Ziff, Chevolution delves into the cultural and political impact of Korda's photograph. The documentary features interviews with various personalities, including politicians, artists, and historians, who discuss the significance of Che Guevara's image.

The film also sheds light on the commercial use of the photograph. It discusses how Che's face appears on various merchandise, from T-shirts to posters. This commercialization contrasts with Guevara's revolutionary ideals, raising questions about the commodification of political symbols.

Chevolution provides viewers with a deeper look into the story behind one of the most reproduced images in history. The documentary offers a comprehensive perspective on how this photograph has been interpreted and reinterpreted over time.

For more information, visit Chevolution on IMDb.

Historical Background

Ernesto "Che" Guevara's life and revolutionary activities have left a lasting impression on global political movements. His contributions to the Cuban Revolution and his wider global influence are crucial for understanding his impact.

Che Guevara’s Early Life

Ernesto "Che" Guevara was born on June 14, 1928, in Rosario, Argentina. Growing up in a middle-class family, Guevara was exposed to various political ideologies early on. He pursued a degree in medicine from the University of Buenos Aires, where he was deeply influenced by the social inequalities he witnessed.

A motorcycle journey across South America in 1952 crystallized his revolutionary outlook. His diary from this period, later published as "The Motorcycle Diaries," captures his evolving perspectives on poverty and oppression.

Role in the Cuban Revolution

In 1954, Guevara met Fidel Castro and joined his movement in Mexico. By 1956, he was a key figure in Castro's 26th of July Movement. His expertise in guerilla warfare and leadership in battles like Santa Clara were instrumental in the overthrow of Batista's regime in 1959.

Post-revolution, Guevara took on significant roles within the new Cuban government. From overseeing land reform as head of the National Institute of Agrarian Reform to serving as the president of the National Bank of Cuba, his influence was far-reaching.

Global Influence and Activities

After his time in Cuba, Guevara aimed to spread the socialist revolution worldwide. He participated in revolutionary efforts in Africa, particularly in the Congo, though these were less successful. His final endeavor took him to Bolivia, where he aimed to ignite a broader Latin American revolution.

Guevara’s writings, like "Guerrilla Warfare," serve as essential texts for insurgent groups around the world. Captured in Bolivia in 1967, his execution only cemented his status as a martyr and symbol of revolutionary zeal. His image remains a powerful symbol in political and social movements globally.

Documentary Filmmaking Techniques

Documentary films about Che Guevara often utilize a blend of archival footage, interviews, and narration to provide a comprehensive view of his life and impact. Each technique serves a unique purpose, contributing to the storytelling in different ways.

Archival Footage Usage

One of the most crucial elements in Che Guevara documentaries is archival footage. This includes historical news clips, photographs, and videos of Che in various stages of his life.

Archival footage not only offers visual authenticity but also situates Guevara in specific historical contexts. Through original video and audio clips, viewers gain a real-time, unfiltered glimpse into events such as the Cuban Revolution or Guevara's speeches.

This footage is often supplemented with transcripts and captions to enhance comprehension. Filmmakers carefully choose segments that align with the narrative, ensuring that the historical context is preserved and accurately represented.

Interviews and First-Hand Accounts

Interviews and first-hand accounts are another pivotal technique employed in these documentaries. By interviewing contemporaries of Che Guevara, such as fellow revolutionaries, historians, and family members, filmmakers provide a deeper, more personal understanding of his character and motivations.

These interviews offer diverse perspectives that text alone might lack. First-hand accounts bring credibility and enrich the context of Guevara's actions and ideals. Filmmakers often highlight conflicting viewpoints to present a more nuanced portrayal of his life.

These insights are typically supplemented by interspersed archival clips and narration to maintain a coherent narrative flow.

Narration Styles

Documentary narration styles can vary from omniscient and all-knowing to participant narration where the narrator is also a character in the film. In Che Guevara documentaries, omniscient narrators are common, providing an authoritative and factual account.

Some films employ a more personal narration style, using Guevara’s own writings and speeches. This approach creates a more intimate experience, allowing viewers to hear Che's ideologies and philosophies in his own words.

The tone of the narration is usually neutral and factual, designed to inform rather than persuade, ensuring an objective representation of historical events.

Impact of Documentaries on Public Perception

Documentaries about Che Guevara have played a significant role in shaping historical awareness, inspiring modern revolutionary movements, and highlighting his complex and controversial legacy.

Shaping Historical Understanding

Documentaries have been essential in shaping the public's understanding of Che Guevara's role in history. They provide detailed accounts of his early life, revolutionary activities, and his impact on Latin American politics.

Filmmakers meticulously compile archival footage, personal diaries, and interviews with contemporaries. These visual narratives make historical events more accessible and engaging to a broad audience.

Through this medium, viewers can gain insights into Guevara's ideological motivations and the socio-political context of his actions, enhancing the depth of historical knowledge.

Influencing Modern Revolutionary Movements

Che Guevara's image has become an enduring symbol for revolutionary movements worldwide. Documentaries highlight how his vision and tactics continue to inspire activists around the globe.

The portrayal of his participation in the Cuban Revolution and his efforts in other Latin American and African regions is particularly influential. These films emphasize his commitment to anti-imperialism and social justice.

By showcasing his legacy, documentaries motivate modern activists to adopt similar strategies and philosophies in their struggles against oppression and inequality.

Portrayal of Che Guevara as a Controversial Figure

Documentaries do not shy away from presenting Che Guevara as a complex and controversial figure. They explore both his heroic status and the criticisms he faced.

His rigid Marxist ideology, clashes with other leaders, and the violent tactics used during the revolutions are scrutinized. These films offer diverse perspectives, portraying him as both a champion of the oppressed and a figure responsible for harsh methods.

The multidimensional portrayal helps viewers form a nuanced opinion, recognizing the simultaneous existence of his admirable and flawed aspects.