The Motorcycle Diaries
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.
Overview
A transformative journey across South America ignites a revolutionary spirit.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- lyrical
- warm
- contemplative
- reflective evening
- travel inspiration
What critics said
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.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
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.
Films like The Motorcycle Diaries, and why
Y Tu Mamá También
shares a lyrical road movie structure, youthful self-discovery, and politically awakening protagonists traveling through unequal societies
The Last King of Scotland
combines biographical drama, expansive travel, friendship, and growing awareness of social injustice across a changing landscape
Into the Wild
shares an episodic coming-of-age journey, intimate male friendship, and compassionate attention to marginalized communities
Aimee & Jaguar
matches the reflective travelogue tone, historical setting, and transformation through encounters with poverty and social inequality
Movie Details
- Director
- Walter Salles
- Release Date
- 2004-02-06
- Runtime
- 126 min
- Rating
- 7.4 / 10 (1472)
Cast
- Gael García Bernal
- Rodrigo de la Serna
- Mercedes Morán
- Mía Maestro
- Jean Pierre Noher
- Lucas Oro
- Marina Glezer
- Sofia Bertolotto
- Franco Solazzi
- Ricardo Díaz Mourelle
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Peacock Premium, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Peacock Premium Plus
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- 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 streams on Amazon Prime Video, Peacock Premium, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Peacock Premium Plus.
