The Motorcycle Diaries

A transformative journey across South America ignites a revolutionary spirit.

Critics broadly praised the film as a lyrical, emotionally resonant road movie and coming-of-age biography that turns Guevara's political awakening into an accessible human journey.

• Ernesto and Alberto's motorcycle trip across South America steadily changes their understanding of themselves and their continent.
• The story focuses on Guevara as a young medical student, before his later revolutionary career, emphasizing youthful moral awakening.
• The journey moves through Patagonia, Chilean desert, the Andes, and the Peruvian Amazon, giving South American geography major expressive force.
• Encounters with impoverished workers, displaced people, Communists, and residents of the San Pablo leper colony reshape Ernesto's political awareness.

• Y Tu Mamá Tambiénshares a lyrical road movie structure, youthful self-discovery, and politically awakening protagonists traveling through unequal societies
• The Last King of Scotlandcombines biographical drama, expansive travel, friendship, and growing awareness of social injustice across a changing landscape
• Into the Wildshares an episodic coming-of-age journey, intimate male friendship, and compassionate attention to marginalized communities
• Aimee & Jaguarmatches the reflective travelogue tone, historical setting, and transformation through encounters with poverty and social inequality

Director

Walter Salles

Release Date

2004-02-06

Runtime

126 min

Rating

7.4 / 10 (1488)

What is The Motorcycle Diaries about?

Two young Argentine travelers cross South America by motorcycle and discover that the continent's human suffering can transform a private adventure into a moral awakening.

What is The Motorcycle Diaries like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Motorcycle Diaries as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is The Motorcycle Diaries violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Motorcycle Diaries.

What did critics think of The Motorcycle Diaries?

Critics broadly praised the film as a lyrical, emotionally resonant road movie and coming-of-age biography that turns Guevara's political awakening into an accessible human journey.

Which films are like The Motorcycle Diaries?

Films with a similar feel include Y Tu Mamá También, The Last King of Scotland, Into the Wild, and Aimee & Jaguar.

How long is The Motorcycle Diaries?

The Motorcycle Diaries runs 126 minutes.

Where can I watch The Motorcycle Diaries?

In United States, The Motorcycle Diaries is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home.