Most Americans know very little of Che Guevara. We took our 4 kids (10-14) to see Motorcycle Diaries. My only caution to parents is that the "f" word appears with frequency in the subtitles (the spoken language is Spanish) but these are two 20-something guys out on the trip of a lifetime around South America, on a really old ratty motorcycle which breaks down a lot (much of the swearing has to do with this!). Che and his companion witness the plight of the poor across the continent and you see how and why Che's growing outrage at the lack of social justice will lead him, after the conclusion of the film, to dedicate himself to changing the world and giving a voice to the downtrodden. Excellent, excellent, excellent, especially for young teens. Our 10 and 11 year old probably didn't get as much but it was still not a waste of time for them. We need to give our children more to think about than themselves. Take your children and enjoy!

This movie is a great look at the topography of South America - viewers will feel like they've been there! It also shows the transformation of Ernesto "Che" Guevara from a self-interested medical student to someone committed to the plight of people on the margins of society. Viewers should be avised that the language in the English subtitles frequently uses profanity, and that the topics of conversation of the two 20-something males are sometimes crass. Some viewers may be sensitive to a brief make-out scene near the beginning of the film. Also, some viewers may find Che Guevara a questionable role model due to the trajectory of his political career and beliefs. All in all, a good introduction to the formative years of an important socio-political figure of the 20th century.