Smouldering Argentina: a continent in itself

Films to see

'Che: The Argentine' and 'Che: Guerilla'. A two-part biopic directed by Steven Soderbergh that brought home the Best Actor award at the 61st Cannes Film Festival in 2008! During the first part, we accompany this young doctor as he crosses the continent by motorbike, uncovering the unjust treatment of impoverished miners and farmers along the way. Stunning landscapes provide a virtual tour of Argentina's lands and the Andean Cordillera. The second part follows Che as he joins forces with Fidel Castro. 

'Disparitions', directed by Christopher Hampton (2004). Starring Antonio Banderas and Emma Thompson, this film narrates the tragic story of a family who suffered at hands of Vineda's junta generals at the end of the 1970's. It's historically accurate and doesn't succumb to viewer sensibilty - be warned there are some shocking scenes. All the same, it's one of my favourite films and perfectly depicts life in Buenos Aires, the country's capital. It's an adaptation of Lawrence Thornton's novel 'Imagining  Argentina'.

History in words and photographs

'Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life' Grove Press (2010) An exhaustive biography of the Argentinian revolutionary, written by Jon Lee Anderson; a best seller, critically acclaimed across the globe. Beginning with his comfortable upbringing in Argentina, this definitive biography follows Che to Cuba, as he joins leagues with Fidel Castro.

'The Meaning of Tango: The Story of the Argentinian Dance' by Christine Denniston, Anova Books 2008 Written by a leading exponent of the tango, follow its history from a humble beginning in Buenos Aires to European high society. A fascinating book on the tango, that rolls politics, passion, romance and immigration into one.

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Prayitno

Books to read

Hippolyte de Bouchard Part of the World Heritage Encyclopedia Follow the story of this French/Argentine corsair. considered a hero and patriot in Argentina. Hippolyte de Bouchard allied himself with Simon Bolivar and his Argentine counterpart, San Martin, to liberate the South American colonies. Famous throughout Argentina, he's the only sailor of his time to be buried at the Panthéon Naval de Buenos Aires. The Argentinian military named boats after him: town squares, schools and streets also bear his name.

'Imagining  Argentina' by Lawrence Thornton. This award winning American author has taught in a number of universities. This trilogy covers the dark days of Argentina's dictatorship. One to read alongside his other works 'Naming the Spirits' and 'Tales from the Blue Archives'. A beautiful blend of fact, narrative and drama, Thornton tells a haunting tale.