Che, Part 1- The Argentine (2008)

In the film Che, Part 1: The Argentine (2008) we once again get a glimpse into the life of Ernesto Guevara, Che. After a road trip with a friend the young doctor decides to join the fight in the revolution against the Bolivian government. Che leads a team of guerrilla soldiers throughout different areas of Cuba. The Ocean Press’ article, Guerrilla Warfare: A method, defines Guerrilla warfare as: “The guerrilla is the combat vanguard of the people, situated in a specified place in a certain region, armed and willing to carry out a series of warlike actions for the one possible strategic end — the seizure of power.” This definition is a close description to the film. It is exactly how Che organized his soldiers to fight. Che proves to be a great leader because he seems trustworthy, intelligent, and most importantly passionate about winning the battle. Che is willing to give his life, and eventually does, for his cause. But it is this passion that drives his soldiers to also be willing to give their lives for the cause. Guerrilla warfare seemed like the best battle tactic because they did not have as much man power or voice powerful enough to be heard. Che’s group had to be quick, smart, and creative.

Everyone in Che’s group respected his leadership. Che seems to have a true heart and a transparent heart. Kornbluh’s article, The Death of Che Guevara Declassified, features a document from “Thomas Hughes, the Latin America specialist at the State Department’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research” – In the very first line he calls Che’s death a “crippling – perhaps fatal – blow to the Bolivian guerrilla movement.” Che had the support of many government officials who believed that what Che was doing was the right thing. Che was aware of their support, which probably gave him more strength to continue. This statement speaks volumes about Che. Kornbluh’s article also holds documents that show where the Bolivian government goes to great lengths to prove Che’s death. One description of a document mentioned that “Che’s hands were cut off to provide proof that he was actually dead”. Che was such a large part of the revolution. He gave hope to the people who thought there was none. Che gave a voice to the people who thought no one was listening.

The same article also contains the chronology of Che’s death. In discussing the after math of Che’s death, Castro made a speech on behalf of Che’s death “Castro professes that Che’s murderers’ will be disappointed when they realize that ‘the art to which he dedicated his life and intelligence cannot die.’” If this statement by Castro is true, the film does a great job at getting this across. Not only did Che lead this group of men and women, but he had rules and standards that they were to abide by, and did. Che, being a doctor, also held a clinic at their base. His heart was in the right place and thus why he is still talked about and commemorated even today.