MovieWeb

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

The Motorcycle Diaries
The Motorcycle Diaries
R
Biography
Documentary
Drama

Release Date
February 6, 2004
Director
Walter Salles
Cast
Gael García Bernal , Rodrigo De la Serna , Mercedes Morán , Jean Pierre Noher , Lucas Oro , Marina Glezer
Runtime
126
Main Genre
Biography
Writers
Ernesto Guevara , Alberto Granado , Jose Rivera
Tagline
Let the world change you... and you can change the world

Summary

Let the world change you, and you can change the world. The Motorcycle Diaries, which world-premiered to a standing ovation at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, follows an inspiring journey of self-discovery and traces the youthful origins of a revolutionary heart. The rich and complex human and social topography of the Latin American continent is unveiled in all its glory as two friends experience life at its fullest. The film, directed by Walter Salles (Central Station, Behind the Sun), is adapted by José Rivera from the journals of two real-life young Argentines, Alberto Granado and Ernesto Guevara de la Serna - the latter of whom would become "El Che." In January 1952, Ernesto (played by Gael García Bernal) is a 23-year-old medical student specializing in leprology. Alberto (Rodrigo de la Serna), age 29, is a biochemist. The two men bid goodbye to their families and to Ernesto's girlfriend Chichina Ferreyra (Mía Maestro). Flush with a romantic sense of adventure, they pile onto Alberto's 1939 Norton 500 motorcycle (nicknamed "La Poderosa" ["The Mighty One"]). The aging bike carries them farther and farther away from familiar and comfortable Buenos Aires surroundings, to surprising and exciting destinations. The two friends become as close as brothers. Over the course of eight months and 8,000 miles, what starts out as a lark becomes a profound journey of discovery, not only of themselves but of a continent filled with infinite sorrow - and infinite hope. From homeless miners to riverboat prostitutes, from lepers to prosperous gentry, Ernesto and Alberto discover an affinity for humanity within themselves, and a determination to change the world.

latest

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Great Movies About Meditative Journeys Through Nature

Here are seven movies with characters on personal meditative journeys in touch with nature.

By 
Disney Plans White Fang Remake with Motorcycle Diaries Writer
Disney Plans White Fang Remake with Motorcycle Diaries Writer

Cinematographer Lance Acord will make his directing debut with a new adaptation of the Jack London story White Fang for Disney.

By 
MW
No Acquired by Sony Pictures Classics

Pablo Larrain directs Gael Garcia Bernal in this drama about an ad executive who leads a campaign against dictator Augusto Pinochet.

By 
MW
Will Ferrell's Casa de Mi Padre Lands at Pantelion Films

A March 16, 2012 release date has been slated for this comedy about a Mexican farmer who falls for his brother's fiancee.

By 
MW
Will Ferrell's Untitled Spanish Comedy Synopsis

Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna co-star in this Spanish-language comedy about two brothers dealing with the legacy of their father.

By 
MW
Walter Salles to Direct Our Wild Life

New Line's animal drama is based on the life and work of animal conservationist Daphne Sheldrick.

By 
MW
Walter Salles and Jose Rivera Re-Team for American Rust

The film will be based on Philipp Meyer's debut novel.

By 
MW
Christoph Waltz to Be Honored at the Hollywood Film Festival

The Inglourious Basterds actor will receive the Hollywood Supporting Actor Award.

By 
MW
Anvil: The Story of Anvil Rocks Out on DVD October 6th

We also have details about the band's appearance on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien and the film premiering on VH1.

By 
MW
Gael Garcia Bernal the New Villian in The Bourne Ultimatum

The international star has been offered the part in the third film.

By 
MW
Kevin Kline and Milla Jovovich Poised for Welcome to America

Based on a New York Times Magazine cover story about sex slavery.

By 
MW
Gael Garcia Bernal to star in Michael Gondry's The Science of Sleep

...preproduction is under way, with shooting pegged to start by year's end in France

By 
See more articles +