Metacritic reviews

A mesmerizing look at an asthmatic, rich-boy medical student in the act of discovering his insurgent spirit.

The film is a deeply felt and beautifully acted hagiography.

This intelligently made picture is artful but not arty, political without being didactic.

Subtle, funny and touching. It’s not like a blow-by-blow “Birth of a Hero” type of film. The script is near perfect and the acting is spot on.

A smartly scoped story of great personal growth and transformation. It's not hard to see the personality/political basis for Che's later revolutionary actions.

Handsomely shot by Brazilian director Walter Salles and beautifully played by the two leads, The Motorcycle Diaries would amount to little more than a minor, softly politically conscious coming-of-age story, if not for its historical context.

Lovely to look at but insipid.

Glazed over by its worship of Che Guevara.

Much of the film glides past with a slightly purposeless elegance. Astounding landscapes rise and fall away; enticing women glance and dance and disappear.

A gorgeously burnished vintage post card come to life, Motorcycle Diaries has about as much depth and emotional currency as the cardboard that post card would be stamped on.