Ernesto

Japanese-Bolivian medical student Freddy Maemura Hurtado (Japanese superstar Joe Odagiri) travels to Cuba in 1962 to become a doctor, but instead joins Che Guevara’s guerrilla army to fight alongside his hero in this powerful, anti-war biopic. A fascinating Cold War footnote, Freddy’s story resonates with themes that speak sharply to today: from the ongoing threat of nuclear war to the perpetual injustice of poverty, proxy wars, and illegitimate foreign-backed governments. An unusual Japanese-Cuban co-production, shot largely (and evocatively) in Cuba, the film personalizes its politics through Freddy’s transformation from serious, idealistic student into an unlikely revolutionary who idolizes Che and quietly burns with moral outrage. Anger at America is a pulsing vein throughout the drama, but the pointed question the film asks is: What should one do? Is the struggle for freedom, peace, and justice worth risking one’s life? The earnest, uncynical answer is yes. (Mill Valley Film Festival)