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Che - Part 1 Details

2008 DVD Certificate 15.gif
  • Rated:
  • 70
  • from 5844 members

Oscar-winner Steven Soderbergh delivers this ambitious and sprawling biopic of one of the 20th century's most influential political figures. In the first 126-minute segment, THE ARGENTINE, we meet Ernesto 'Che' Guevara (Benicio Del Toro), a young Argentinean doctor who teams up with Fidel Castro on a dangerous mission: to .. Read more

Starring Kahlil Mendez, Benicio Del Toro, Benjamin Bratt, Demian Bichir
Director Steven Soderbergh
Genres Drama

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Che - Part 1

Oscar-winner Steven Soderbergh delivers this ambitious and sprawling biopic of one of the 20th century's most influential political figures. In the first 126-minute segment, THE ARGENTINE, we meet Ernesto 'Che' Guevara (Benicio Del Toro), a young Argentinean doctor who teams up with Fidel Castro on a dangerous mission: to overthrow the corrupt Cuban dictatorship run by Fulgencio Batista. Che's commitment to the cause impresses everyone around him, and soon he is one of the leaders of this burgeoning guerrilla movement. Against all odds, Castro, Che, and their undermanned forces charge forward, conquering Batista's forces on their way to an expected showdown with the man himself.


Soderbergh films this first segment--a battle that everyone knows Che is going to win--with beautiful widescreen photography, like a Hollywood epic from yesteryear. Composer Alberto Iglesias accompanies this imagery with a sweeping orchestral score. Soderbergh intercuts the primary story of the revolution with Che's 1964 appearance at the United Nations in New York City, recreating that event in documentary-like black-and-white. However, as impressive as these technical attributes are, it is Del Toro who steals the show. He inhabits Che in a way that feels like he isn't just acting. THE ARGENTINE is an inspiring tale of a man whose fierce determination and unflinching spirit turned him into a hero to disadvantaged people throughout the world.

Starring Kahlil Mendez, Benicio Del Toro, Benjamin Bratt, Demian Bichir, Franka Potente, Edgar Ramirez
Director Steven Soderbergh
Studio OPTIMUM HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Run time DVD: 2 hrs 1 min
Certificate DVD Certificate 15.gif
Genres Drama
Language English, Spanish
Released DVD: 29 Jun 2009
Production year: 2008
Format DVD
  • Critics' reviews (2) of Che - Part 1

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  • Oscar-winner Steven Soderbergh, delivers this biopic of one of the 20th century's most influential political figures. read more »

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    • Tom Charity, 
    • LOVEFiLM
  • Most helpful member's review of Che - Part 1

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  • 53 out of 54 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    Good but not for everyone

    Just came back from a pre-screening of both parts and have to say that I spent great five hours in the cinema. This (first) part tells about Che’s story in Cuba at the beginning of the revolution. I advise you to read about Che before you go to see this movie because there is no introduction to his life at all. Without knowing a bit about the most recognized revolutionist you may feel like you missed the first hour. The movie is made well and you won’t get bored at all. Really good effort from Soderbergh. Benicio’s performance was outstanding. Probably his best till now...?? Be prepared to read subtitles most of the time unless you know Spanish. One more thing. If you know Che only from your t-shirt print then maybe it is not the best choice for you to see this film. Better choose Spiderman 7 or sth like that...

      • A customer from Leeds
  • Most recent members' review of Che - Part 1

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  • 7 out of 7 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    The Whole

    Despite the sore bum on January 1st and the cramp knees this movie was worth every the dis-comfort. Che is excellent and worth seeing in one go, seeing the movie in parts will not make sense and will spoil the atmosphere created in part one. The performances, direction and photography don't come any better than this; the second half the viewer is with Che every single step of that miserable Bolivian jungle but this is where the strength of the man is seen and his flaws laid bare.

    This is a film not to be missed but if you have no understanding of Che or Cuba's histroy then this is not the film for you!

      • A customer from Willesden,
  • News and features

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    Che - Part 1

    Che: Part Two

    • 16 Feb 2009

    The story so far… Argentine-born Marxist Ernesto "Che" Guevara (Benicio Del Toro) emerged from the victorious Cuban revolution as President Fidel Castro’s most charismatic and dedicated officer. Picking up eight years after the fall of Batista (and Part One), Part Two controversially elides many of the more problematic elements in Guevara’s story, notably his readiness to purge Cuba of enemies of the revolution. His attempts to ferment Communism in the Congo are merely... Read more

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Rating breakdown

5,844 Member ratings
  • 100
367
  • 90
329
  • 80
1,367
  • 70
1,324
  • 60
1,165
  • 50
440
  • 40
403
  • 30
151
  • 20
205
  • 10
93

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    • Che - Part 1
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    • Oscar-winner Steven Soderbergh delivers this ambitious and sprawling biopic of one of the 20th century's most influential political figures. In the first 126-minute segment, THE ARGENTINE, we meet ...