Che - Part Two

Che - Part Two, also referred to as "Guerrilla", is the second half of a two-part biographical feature directed by Steven Soderbergh and released in 2008. The film stars Benicio Del Toro in the eponymous role, Julia Ormond, and Oscar Isaac. Following the story of the revolutionary Che Guevara, covered in Che - Part One, which details the Cuban Revolution, Che - Part Two sways its focus to depict the later period of Che’s life, chronicling his attempts at inciting revolution in Bolivia.

Benicio Del Toro, who programs an outstanding performance as Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, encapsulates the charisma and intensity of the revolutionary figure, truly enveloping himself into the character. He passionately portrays the complexities of this historical figure who is seen by many as both a heroic liberator and a scrupulous warmonger. Del Toro won the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival for his portrayal, which delivers a convincing and multifaceted depiction of Che Guevara.

The second installment begins with Che at the United Nations in New York, presenting an impassioned speech condemning American imperialism. From there, the movie shifts to Bolivia, where Guevara's attempts to replicate the Cuban revolution with a group of local rebels and Cuban supporters. The movie continually illustrates the political maneuvers, preparations, and tactics integral to the guerrilla warfare that characterized the period.

Soderbergh encapsulates the essence of Che Guevara as a devoted revolutionary, resilient in hardship, and an idealistic dreamer, with a relentless belief in his ambitions. The exploration of Che's dogged dedication to his belief in a global Marxist revolution reveals the leader's indomitable spirit, even in the face of defeat and despair.

The narrative style of the film is non-linear, interweaving scenes from Guevara's United Nations visit, meetings with Fidel Castro, and his time in Bolivia. This storytelling approach, combined with the black-and-white cinematography used in the New York sequences, gives the movie a newsreel quality, grounding it in a historical context. It also allows the audience to delve deep into the psyche of Guevara, understand his motivations, and his persistent yet unfulfilled desire to free the world from imperialism.

The film emphasizes not just the person of Che Guevara, but also the guerrilla warfare, the importance of ideology, and the enduring struggle for revolution against formidable adversaries. The movie's depiction of the harsh conditions of the jungle warfare, the determination of the poorly equipped but dedicated rebels, and the strenuous attempts to rally the peasantry highlight the tormenting realities of the revolutionary warfare, far from the sanitized Hollywood versions of war.

Julia Ormond delivers a mesmerizing performance as Lisa Howard, a journalist and radio broadcaster known for her interviews with major political figures. Oscar Isaac portrays Ciro Bustos, a loyal follower of Guevara, and his powerful portrayal provides a significant layer of depth to the film.

On a technical level, the film showcases Soderbergh's distinct use of realistic cinematography and handheld camera work, reinforcing the sense of immediacy and authenticity in the storytelling. The unorthodox nature of its narrative, when combined with its immersive cinematography, allows the movie to breathe and provides a more intimate, different kind of understanding of a revolutionary historical period.

Che - Part Two also benefits from an exceptional cast supporting Del Toro, each contributing to the overall texture of the movie. The film is underscored by a quiet yet impactful musical score, which serves to subtly amplify the intensity of the unfolding drama.

In conclusion, Che - Part Two is a meticulously crafted biographical account that offers an uncompromising and unromanticized depiction of Ernesto Che Guevara's journey. Its thoughtful direction, compelling lead performances, and gripping storytelling make it an enthralling watch for those interested in the powerful tale of this iconic and controversial personality.