Che (Part 1 & Part 2)

Audacious in conception and daring in realisation, Steven Soderbergh's studies of Che Guevara's campaigns in Cuba and Bolivia provide us with an outstanding anatomy of the politics and process of revolutionary change. Meticulously researched, the two films are manifestly different in both tone and approach, but taken together they are cinema at its most intelligent and exciting. With the emphasis placed firmly on the struggle and day-to-day realities of guerrilla warfare, they eschew sentimental celebration of Che as an individual, yet they are undeniably – and properly – dominated by the effortlessly compelling and charismatic performance of Benicio del Toro, who also served as one of the films' producers.

Part 1 is a chronicle of the successful uprising in Cuba, tracking Che's rise from doctor to commander to revolutionary hero. Following Castro, Che and their comrades during the years 1956 to 1959, intercut with flash forwards to an appearance at the United Nations in 1964, it shows how their initially tiny army fought its way down from the mountains and mobilised popular support to overthrow Batista's corrupt government.

Part 2 deals with the Che's involvement in the Bolivian campaign of 1966 to 1967 and the attempt to orchestrate the great Latin American revolution. Lacking popular support, and with the Bolivian army and its American advisors waging effective counterinsurgency, the failed revolt brought Che to his death. A tale of idealism, tenacity and sacrifice, it illustrates why he remains a potent symbol of idealism and heroism around the world.
Sandra Hebron

There will be a 20 minute interval during the Tiscali Gala presentation of this special festival version of Che (Part 1 & Part 2).