As many of us walk around sporting T-shirts with an image of a figure with a military cap perched on his head (taken by Alberto Korda, it is one of the most widely circulated image in the world), very few of us actually know about Ernesto “Che” Guevara - the man who died a routine (for a revolutionary) death, but became a legend posthumously without doing anything substantial.

There is no doubt that there have been people who were more admirable or contemptible, but somehow they have been lost in the pages of history. However, Che Guevara has left an indelible mark in the history, and become the most famous symbol of resistance and revolution, thanks to the very efforts of those who were responsible for his death. Unknowingly, of course…

A Cuban national, Che embodied the spirit of communism, and came to Bolivia, where he was killed by the Bolivian army in 1967. His deceased body evoked curiosity in many when it disappeared without a trace. Many took him to be a hero and made him an idol who fought for a cause, as speculations became stories, stories became rumors, and rumors became legends. As recounted by one of the Bolivian officers in the movie, “I couldn’t imagine that after 20, 30 almost 40 years, Che would be more alive than ever.“

Italian filmmaker Raffaele Brunetti presents a forthright documentary on the circumstances leading to his premature demise, and clears the air over his death, and about his legend. Never in the history has a figure elicited such extreme views - some consider him a hero, and others, a “sociopath” or “killing machine”. Che did give up an opportunity to follow the herd, and lead a comfortable life. Instead, he chose to dedicate his life to the cause of communism, which makes him admirable to those who support his ideals. The documentary is basically a montage of old film coverage of the charismatic Che, interspersed with interviews of the team that uncovered his remains.

It took the team 30 years to find the remains, but in those 30 years, Che’s popularity as a leader of the oppressed masses only grew like a wildfire in a jungle. Never in the history, has a man become so legendary, without having done a single notable thing in his life.

Watch this incredible documentary, which takes you on a vicarious journey, starting with the Che’s capture, through his execution, till the discovery of his remains - all this spanning almost 30 years. However, this documentary just skims the surface, so don’t expect it to be a complete encyclopedia on him. There are perhaps more comprehensive sources on him elsewhere.

          0 votes