Review: Che [Part I: The Argentine]

3/4

Che opens with a geographic representation of Cuba, establishing it as entertainment rooted in history. Part I closes with the main character's scolding of a few of his soldiers for stealing the enemy's car, identifying him as an ethical warrior.
The film is slow and methodical. It deals heavily in politics and history. But it also circles around a fascinating and legendary human being.
Ernesto Guevara is reserved, but strong. He is intensely rational. He has a clear and powerful mind. He is honest, civil, ethical, determined, compassionate, and as he claims is the most important characteristic in any revolutionary, loving. But he has no relationships in the film--he is devoting his entire existence to the revolution, and it is profoundly respectable in my mind.
The dialogue between he and the American reporter is intriguing and impressive. He answers questions with the perfect blend of philosophy and tactics, abstraction and application. He has many roles in the revolution, because he is simply so good at everything. He is a medic, a fighter, a leader, a teacher, a theorist, etc. It's all because of the quality of his mind. The Cuban revolution needed every one of its members to be like Che. The world needs everyone to be like Che.
Although, let's consider the context he chooses to put his mind in, which is war and brutal justice. As the film progresses, he seems to lose some of himself to the cause. After finishing the film, I am less zealous in praising him. Still, I am greatly interested in and hold great respect for him.
Benicio del Toro plays the revolutionary beautifully. His eyes tell the whole story; I am interested to see this actor in anything now.
This is quality filmmaking; the acting, directing, shooting... it's all there. My only problem is the film's lack of excitement, thematic material and reward. If you want history though, this is as good as it gets.

Che Guevara can be thought of as a controversial figure. After all, he is a guerrilla, a killer. So a significant part of interpreting this film is deciding whether or not Soderbergh is celebrating or condemning the man. Most of Part I is a celebration, but towards the end, I felt Che's image declining a bit. I'm anxious to see how he ends up in Part II; what Soderbergh's definitive view of his hero is.
As for me, I like Che. I can empathize with war, although it's not my preferred method of justice. And Che is a brilliant man, fighting for a good cause. So in my mind, so far, he really is a hero.