El Crazy Che

El Crazy Che is a compelling 2015 documentary that unravels the mysterious, captivating, and controversial life of Eduardo 'Che' Guevara. This intriguing film is not about Che's famous revolutionary brother, Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, but it's focused on the lesser-known figure who was an integral part of the Cuban revolution's ideological framework.

Directed by Pablo Chehebar and Nicolás Iacouzzi, the film stars Jose Arenas, Bob Coiteaux, and Liliana Fraigi. It artistically combines accounts given by Eduardo himself, images, documents, and testimonials from those who knew him intimately.

The film is a journey that interweaves two narratives: Eduardo 'Crazy Che' Guevara's fascinating life up to his controversial death, and the investigative process of the filmmakers to unravel the truth about his life and legacy. The documentary presents an up-close look at a period of world history often, aiming to shed light on the seldom-explored details.

The title, "El Crazy Che," alludes to his eccentricity, and his 'deviance' from the norms, considered eccentric and even somewhat bizarre. It reflects the controversial nature of Eduardo, shedding light on his unusual behavior and his unpredictable character.

The film opens with Eduardo's early days as he is born into a middle-class Argentine family. The viewer gets to see how Eduardo stepped out of his brother Ernesto 'Che' Guevara's shadow to join the Cuban revolutionary cause. Through well-narrated anecdotes and accounts, we delve into Eduardo’s life and his connection with the Cuban revolution.

Jose Arenas, Bob Coiteaux, and Liliana Fraigi, contribute significantly to the narrative, supplementing Guevara's accounts and adding background detail. As experts, confidants, or bystanders of Eduardo's life, their accounts serve to create a broader and in-depth picture of the man behind the name 'Crazy Che'.

Notably, the documentary presents Eduardo's critical role as the chief of the Industrial Department of the National Institute of Agrarian Reform, the President of the Cuban National Bank, and the head of the Department of Industrialization. His role in the formation of the Cuban economic structure after the revolution is explored, hinting at his influence on the ideological path of the Cuban government. The documentary presents his views on communism as interesting, distinct from his brother’s, and perhaps somewhat unconventional.

The film later delves into Eduardo's post-revolution life, hinting at his personal struggles, his relationship with his family, and his sudden and unexpected death. The narrative beautifully unfolds the layers of his persona, encapsulating his idiosyncrasies, his charm, his brilliance, and his unpredictability. One valuable aspect of this film is that it does not sugarcoat or glorify Eduardo 'Che' Guevara but presents him as a flawed yet fascinating individual.

The directors, Pablo Chehebar and Nicolás Iacouzzi, have done a remarkable job of interweaving historical footage, interviews, and narration. The film intelligently handles Eduardo's mysterious life while also offering the viewer essential historical context and insight into Eduardo’s character. Their storytelling skill keeps the audience engaged throughout, captivated by the plot twists of Eduardo's life.

The movie 'El Crazy Che', is about an individual's extraordinary journey through pivotal moments in global history. It offers a balanced, thoughtful, and comprehensive take on a life that was not only fascinating but also shaped significant political and historical events. Dive into Eduardo 'Che' Guevara's life through this film and explore a lesser-known but astoundingly captivating part of the Cuban Revolution. This is a must-watch for history buffs, political enthusiasts, and those who appreciate well-crafted documentaries.