El Pepe: Una vida suprema

El Pepe: Una Vida Suprema is a compelling, thought-provoking documentary film released in 2018, focusing on the life and political career of Jose "Pepe" Mujica. Mujica is a renowned Uruguayan political figure, former guerilla fighter, and the country's president from 2010 to 2015. Known for his plain-spoken and straightforward demeanor, Mujica's minimalist philosophy as well as his unique approach to his office, like donating most of his salary to charity and living on his modest farm rather than the presidential palace, made him a global inspiration and a symbol of humility in power.

Directed by the acclaimed Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica, El Pepe: Una Vida Suprema is a thorough exploration of Mujica's extraordinary life. Kusturica offers viewers an intimate look at this unusual world leader through both interviews and personal reflection, striking a balance between a political biography and an intimate portrait of a truly unique human being.

A major theme of the film is Mujica's simple lifestyle, which contrasts starkly with the affluence and opulence often associated with heads of state. The documentary follows Mujica as he spends his days tending to flowers, drinking mate, and driving his old VW Beetle. It consistently zeroes in on his modest farmhouse, rather than the opulent Presidential Palace, showcasing his preference for leading a frugal life despite his powerful position.

Kusturica's delicate treatment of Mujica's past as a guerrilla fighter in the Tupamaros group during Uruguay's military dictatorship, his subsequent imprisonment for 13 years, and subsequent roles as Minister, Senator, Congressman, and finally, the President of the country, makes the whole journey feel grounded and incredibly human. Rather than presenting Mujica as an infallible hero, Kusturica portrays him as a man of virtues and flaws, ideals and pragmatic compromises, emphasizing his remarkable journey from a revolutionary to a world leader.

One of the most striking aspects of El Pepe: Una Vida Suprema is the relationship Kusturica establishes with Mujica. It's clear a bond of trust develops throughout the film, as Mujica's answers become more reflective, introspective, and philosophical. This intimacy is evident in the lengthy scenes of them talking, revealing Mujica's thoughts on modern life, his experiences as a politician, and his perspectives on leadership, wealth, and happiness.

The film is not a traditional documentary due to its unapologetic subjectivity. The lack of historical context, third party perspectives, or challenging views can be seen both as a strength - offering a film with an exclusive focus on Mujica's thoughts - and a limitation - not offering a comprehensive account of Mujica's political career. Moreover, Kusturica opts to use no voice-over or subtitles to describe what's happening or to provide context. Instead, he lets Mujica's words speak for themselves.

El Pepe: Una Vida Suprema also offers some breathtaking footage of Uruguay's countryside, capturing the essence of the simple life that Mujica often advocates. This serves as an aesthetic backdrop to the narrative, contributing to the film's overall melancholic yet hopeful mood: a reflection of Mujica's perspective on life.

Although the documentary might seem slow-paced to some viewers, its rhythm matches what it sets out to portray: the pace of life in Uruguay's countryside and the calm introspection of Mujica. Over the course of nearly two hours, the film creates a meditative and serene experience for the audience.

While the documentary presents a substantial overview of Mujica's life, it's not necessarily about providing a detailed account of his political career or the historical context of Uruguay. Instead, it relies on Mujica's charisma and wise insights to drive the narrative. Given Kusturica's unashamed admiration for Mujica, the result is a personal, sincere, and philosophical portrait of a leader who encapsulated humility and sacrifice, and whose influence extended far beyond his country's borders.

In summary, El Pepe: Una Vida Suprema is a moving documentary that shares the life and thoughts of one of the most inspiring figures of the 21st century. It's a true homage to El Pepe, the "world's poorest president," and his unwavering commitment to leading a modest and principled life. It is an engrossing film for anyone interested in exploring unique characters in politics, leadership styles, and those who challenge the norms of power.