Watch El Pepe: Una vida suprema

El Pepe: Una vida suprema is a 2018 documentary film that tells the story of Uruguay's former president, José Mujica, also known as "El Pepe." Directed by Emir Kusturica, the film chronicles the life and political career of Mujica from his early days as a guerrilla fighter to his rise to power as the President of Uruguay in 2009.

The film is structured as a series of interviews with Mujica as he walks around his farm and reflects on his life. The interviews are interspersed with archival footage and reenactments of Mujica's past. The film covers his time as a member of the Tupamaros, a left-wing guerrilla group in the 1960s and 70s. Mujica was imprisoned for several years during this time and was tortured by the military dictatorship that ruled Uruguay at the time.

After he was released from prison, Mujica turned to politics and became a senator in the Uruguayan parliament. He eventually ran for president in 2009 as the candidate of the Broad Front, a coalition of left-wing political parties. Mujica won the election and became known as the "world's poorest president" because of his modest lifestyle and penchant for giving away most of his salary to charity.

Throughout the film, Mujica reflects on his political philosophy, which is grounded in a deep concern for social justice and environmentalism. He is critical of capitalism and consumerism, which he sees as contributing to inequality and environmental destruction. Instead, he advocates for a more humane and sustainable way of life.

The film also highlights Mujica's personal life, including his relationship with his wife, Lucia Topolansky, who is now the Vice President of Uruguay. Mujica and Topolansky have been partners for over 50 years and have weathered many political and personal challenges together.

One of the themes of the film is Mujica's relationship with the younger generation. He is seen as an inspiration to many young people in Uruguay and around the world who are disillusioned with traditional politics and are looking for a more authentic and compassionate way of life. Mujica's example of leading a simple and humble life while fighting for social justice has resonated with many people, especially millennials.

Overall, El Pepe: Una vida suprema is a fascinating portrait of a remarkable man who has lived an extraordinary life. Mujica's humility, integrity, and passion for social justice are truly inspiring, and the film does an excellent job of capturing his spirit and his legacy. Whether you are interested in politics, environmentalism, or simply in the power of the human spirit, this film is definitely worth watching.