Gael Force Dance DVD

Advantages: Outstanding acting, beautifully shot, emotive, utterly absorbing
Disadvantages: None

..., they are profoundly affected by many tales of local workers who have had their livelihoods stripped away by external capitalist forces and are now compelled to work in what effectively amounts to slave labour. The film’s dialect is almost entirely in Spanish, with the occasional use of remote local dialects giving the film a distinctly authentic quality. The footage manages to capture the breath-taking scenery of South America in all its natural beauty as the characters travel through phenomenal landscapes- often dangerous, often serene and always at the mercy of the elements. As Ernesto and Alberto experience the happy, sad, funny and sometimes tragic, it is impossible not to become completely absorbed in the film and empathise with the characters. This is largely helped by a simply stunning acting performance by Gael Garcia Bernal, whose portrayal... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: A film about friendship and injustice, with jaw-dropping cinematography
Disadvantages: Makes you want to pack your rucksack right away...

...“Diarios De Motocicleta” is quite simply a reproduction of the travelogue kept by the twenty-three year old Ernesto Guevara (played by the rather gorgeous Gael García Bernal) who will one day be nicknamed Che, the Argentinean slang meaning “friend”. With his older friend Alberto Granado (played by Rodrigo De La Senna) Ernesto sets out in 1952 from his middle class Buenos Aires home as he tells us, with: “The objective: girls, beer and self discovery. The means: a 1939 motorbike nicknamed “La Podoroso” (The Mighty One) The method: improvisation.” The men have little if any money, an ambitious goal to be back in time for Alberto’s thirtieth birthday, some three months away, and a planned trip that would simply take your breath away. Jump on the back of that oil-spluttering old Norton 500 and allow the Diarios to take you down from... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Amazing storyline
Disadvantages: in Spanish with subtitles (although that is an upside to some)

...This is an amazing film, maybe one of the best by the great director Pedro Almodovar. Gael Garcia Bernal's performance is outstanding. The film is funny yet dark and takes you on a great cinematic journey. The story is amazing and you will not be satisfied until you see the end. Although the film deals with many serious issues such as drugs and child abuse, Almodovar is able to being comedy to the whole recipe. The film is in the original Spanish version with subtitles which is great because it remains authentic. Should be taken light heartidly although you will leave the film with thoughts about its themes. The ending will leave you delightedly shocked. A must see for anyone who loves Spanish cinema.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful