LFF review: Che Parts 1 and 2

Epic in length (4.25 hours in total), if not in scope, Che Parts 1 and 2 is a vain-glorious folly for Steven Soderbergh. Wilfully self-indulgent, intimate without being revealing, this biopic of Ernesto Guevara is an ambitious failure. Part 1 focuses on Che's part in Castro’s revolution in Cuba, while Part 2 charts Che’s attempt to replicate their success in Bolivia

The film’s (or films’) considerable problems should not prevent awards recognition for co-producer Benicio del Toro, who turns in another highly committed performance in the title role. Although it should be noted that demands of the narrative in Part 2 give him little to play with.

Part 1 is the much more satisfying experience, having something close to a narrative arc to follow, rather than Part 2’s by rote history lesson. Part 1 also benefits from more substantial characters for Che to interact with.

Artfully filmed throughout by Soderbergh, both Parts are beautiful to watch. But, and it’s a big but, if you want to see an entertaining, revealing film but Che, you would do better to re-watch the Motorcycle Diaries…
Score: Part 1 – 6.5; Part 2 - 4