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Motorcycle Diaries
"A lot of people who wear the Che t-shirt today don't really know what he was about."
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By Genesys Sanchez
I recently saw The Motorcycle Diaries, a new movie based on the travel writings of Ernesto "Che" Guevara as a young man. I already knew a lot about Che before seeing this movie, having read parts of some of his books, including this one. I've always admired Che for fighting for his beliefs and for the poor, so even before I saw this movie, I already sympathized with some of his ideas. But after seeing it, I felt like I understood him even more, and that something in me had changed too.
The movie shows the young Che Guevara that few people know about. It demonstrates what sparked him to fight for peoples' rights, which was the poverty and injustice he saw during his trip through South America. The movie also shows the character traits that led Che to dedicate his life to the cause of helping those less fortunate than him.
As a young Latina who has traveled to Latin America many times, The Motorcycle Diaries reminded me that so many people are in need in Third World countries. And it gave me a better understanding of why Che went to extremes to fight for their rights. Most of the things he did were never done selfishly for his own benefit, but for the benefit of the poor. This movie inspired me more to try to make a difference in this world like he did, which has always been one of my goals.
A lot of people who wear the Che t-shirt today don't really know what he was about. His image has become trendy. I think this film does a good job of showing who he was without being too political. It has humor, great acting, and beautiful scenery.
So I recommend this movie to everyone, even the people who don't agree with Che's revolutionary views. The Motorcycle Diaries is just a film about a young medical student who is changed by his experience of seeing suffering and poverty first-hand. I hope all those people who wear the Che shirt also feel a change inside themselves once they see it.
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