World Viewing
The Motorcycle Diaries
Review Review by Ross Anthony

Based on the books and diaries of Ernesto Guevara De La Serna and his buddy Alberto Granado, the film delivers a motorcycle road trip that lands these two Argentineans in Peru. Ernesto, just a quarter from graduation as a medical doctor and Alberto a biochemist turning thirty, the two friends face tumbles, snow, rain and lack of funds with a relentless zest for travel.

Though well paced and pleasantly shot, the film seldom finds a deep sense of drama. Engaging and interesting nonetheless, viewers will respect the ambitions of these two. And later with more impact, Ernesto finds himself so moved by his stay at a Leper colony in Peru that he swims the Amazon to spend the rest of his birthday with them. That act is used as the film's climax. In fact, since the picture is based on actual events, the filmmakers must pick and chose which will carry drama.

Shot on location whenever possible (some very beautiful natural landscapes are captured), and enlisting many indigenous people to strengthen authenticity, the film remains sincere. Additionally, the two leads are strong; but while the trip may have substantially moved the two travelers, the film doesn't move much until the last half-hour.

The film is subtitled in English; some of that dialogue flashes so quickly on the screen, that only the fastest of readers will capture it all.


  • The Motorcycle Diaries. Copyright © 2004.
  • Starring Gael Garcia Bernal, Rodrigo De La Serna.
  • Directed by Walter Salles.
  • Screenplay by Jose Rivera.
  • Produced by Michael Nozik, Edgard Tenembaum, Karen Tenkhoff at Focus, Film Four/South Fork.

Grade..........................B (2/4)

Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.

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Last Modified: Saturday, 16-Sep-2006 08:03:46 PDT