The untold story
Lucy Ann Sutton | New York, United States | 03/31/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Che: Rise and Fall" is the most complete work yet produced on the trials and tribulations of argentine born Ernesto Che Guevara. The documentary is structured in three main acts. The first relates to the early years in Argentina, his friendship with Alberto Granado and the preparations for the long journey through South America on a motorcycle. The adventure served as the argument to another film "The Motorcycle Diaries". The second half of the First Act focuses on the Cuban Revolution and the relationship between Guevara and Fidel Castro. The Second Act brings the audience closer to the period in Guevara spent in Africa fighting a Revolutionary War, and last but not least, we are confronted with the final days of Che in Bolivia. Che: Rise and Fall" brings out for the first time the testimony of Alberto Granado himself at a crucial time when the remains of Guevara were being brought back to Cuba after thirty years in an unmarked grave somewhere in Bolivia. The documentary is a must see for all those concern with Latin American History and the Twentieth Century. Stephen Kaplan."
Priceless!
Dopela | Rockland, ME USA | 05/17/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the most extraordinary documentary I have ever seen of CHE and I have seen them all. To be able to see and listen to Granado himself was priceless. The interviews with Che's bodyguards it's intense and it shows. The First Times when most of them saw Che as tango singer out of Argentine movies it's amazing. Another relevant aspect of this film is the process of transformation of Ernesto Guevara into CHE, the How and When. Details such as those explore in connection with CHE as a photographer himself are quite unique. In my humble opinion this is a must see that complements other views on the subject. Thank you for making it! Congrats! MT
"
The Che that was...
Portland Mike | Oregon | 02/08/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This documentary of unequaled authenticity delves into the human side of the revolutionary icon, Ernesto "Che" Guevara. Interviews with Dr. Alberto Granados, (the friend who accompanied him across South America via motorcycle), as well as Cuban revoultionaries who fought beside him and under his command, provide glimpses into the life and character of this remarkable man.
Far from an excercise in hero worhship, the fall of Che is examined objectively, dealing with his mistakes, not glossiing over them. A must-see film for anyone interested in revolutionary history.
"
All Movie Guide Review
Howard Johnson | Hudson, United States | 11/14/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Numerous journalists have described with pointed accuracy the vast interwoven tapestry that was Communist revolutionary Ernesto 'Che' Guevara's life - from his youth in Alta Gracia, to his tenure as a politician in post-1959 Havana, to his tragic execution in October 1967. With his hour-long Spanish-language documentary Che: Rise and Fall, Eduardo Montes-Bradley provides a concise biographical overview of Che's life, keeping his eye on both Guevara's life-journey and the nearly impenetrable mythos that developed around him and quickly became inseparable from the man himself. The work intercuts key archival clips with interviews featuring those who knew and worked with Che, including Dr. Alberto Granados and three surviving members of Guevara's personal guard." ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide"