Personal Che
Personal Che

Movie spotlight

Personal Che

2007
Movie
86 min
English

A documentary that explores the myth behind the truth. Different people around the globe reinterpret the legend of Che Guevara at will: from the rebel living in Hong Kong fighting Chinese domination, to the German neonazi preaching revolution and the Castro-hating Cuban. Their testimonies prove that the Argentinian revolutionary's historical impact reverberates still. But like with all legends, each sees what he will, in often contradictory perspectives.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes55%
Metacritic61/100
Google Users74%
Director: Steven SoderberghGenres: Biography, Drama, History, War

Plot Summary

This epic biographical drama chronicles the life of Argentine Marxist revolutionary Ernesto 'Che' Guevara. The film follows his revolutionary activities, from his crucial role in the Cuban Revolution to his fall and eventual assassination in Bolivia. It delves into his motivations, his strategic brilliance, and the ideological fervor that drove him to become a global icon.

Critical Reception

Steven Soderbergh's 'Personal Che' is a sprawling, ambitious biopic that attempts to capture the complex and controversial figure of Che Guevara. While lauded for Benicio del Toro's committed performance and Soderbergh's directorial vision, the film's epic scope and deliberate pacing divided critics, with some praising its intellectual depth and others finding it overly long and detached.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Benicio del Toro's powerful portrayal of Che Guevara.

  • Soderbergh's distinct directorial style is evident, offering a unique perspective.

  • Criticized by some for its length and detached, observational tone.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's scale and Benicio del Toro's performance, finding it an interesting, albeit lengthy, exploration of a historical figure. Some viewers found it to be a thought-provoking and detailed character study, while others wished for a more conventional narrative structure.

Awards & Accolades

Benicio del Toro won Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival for his performance.

Fun Fact

Benicio del Toro, who plays Che Guevara, is of Puerto Rican descent and is the only actor to have won Best Actor at Cannes for portraying a real-life historical figure. He also served as a producer on the film and was deeply involved in its development for years.

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