The Motorcycle Diaries is about realizing the world's problems and wanting to change them. Ernesto leaves comfort behind and travels across South America in order to broaden his sight. Along the way, he learns about poverty and inequality, realizing that the world and society he lives in may not be the same as he always imagined it to be. Unlike common typical coming-of-age stories, the film demonstrates how deeper, more personal interactions with the external world allow exploration of the inner world of a person. The purpose of Ernesto's journey is not to settle down or find freedom; it is more about discovering a personal goal and purpose in life.
We see the main character "switch dreams" after realizing and witnessing just how much tragedy is happening around him. His journey is just the beginning of a bigger path that will lead him to become more revolutionary. Despite these heavy themes, the film is oddly hopeful. And the cinematography of the film communicates the beauty of South American scenes, such as the markets, streets, and land, as well as the warmth of the people.
(Gahyun, Nawoo, Sally, Yuna, Lilo)
Theatrical poster
"Unlike typical coming-of-age stories, The Motorcycle Diaries demonstrates how deeper, more personal interactions with the external world allow exploration of the inner world of a person."
— Sally Kim
"This film made me oddly hopeful."
— Lilo Tuiono
A note on this essay: The collective response above was assembled from individual student journal entries written immediately after the screening. Entries were compiled and edited using AI to eliminate repetition, preserve disagreement, and honor each student's voice — reducing the total word count by 75%. The writing remains the students' own.
The Motorcycle Diaries and the Bildungsroman
A Podcast Style Video Essay created by Hojune Lee, Haeun Cho, and Maya Calkins
