El Pepe, a Supreme Life

An intimate look at Uruguay's ex-president's life

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About El Pepe, a Supreme Life

Released: 2018

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-14

Run time: 1h 13m

Cast
José Mujica, Emir Kusturica

About El Pepe, a Supreme Life

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About

El Pepe, a Supreme Life is a political documentary released in 2018. The film follows the life and political career of José "Pepe" Mujica, who served as the President of Uruguay from 2010 to 2015.

The documentary delves into Mujica's early beginnings, his involvement in leftist guerrilla movements, and his time spent in prison. It explores his rise to power and his unconventional presidency, during which he emphasized social justice and environmental sustainability.

El Pepe, a Supreme Life provides a nuanced portrait of Mujica, highlighting his humble lifestyle, which stood in contrast to the trappings of power typically associated with political leaders. The film also touches on his global popularity and the impact of his political ideology.

Making / Production

The documentary was directed by Emir Kusturica, a renowned Serbian filmmaker known for his distinctive style and exploration of political themes. Kusturica spent several years working on the film, conducting extensive interviews with Mujica and delving deep into his personal and political archives.

The production of El Pepe, a Supreme Life involved a collaboration between filmmakers from Uruguay, Serbia, and Spain. The film combines archival footage, interviews, and reenactments to bring Mujica's story to life.

Actors

  • Jose Mujica - Played by Himself
  • Emir Kusturica - Narrator

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • El Pepe, a Supreme Life premiered at the 2018 Venice Film Festival.
  • It received positive reviews for its intimate portrayal of Mujica and its exploration of his political ideology.
  • The documentary highlights Mujica's unconventional lifestyle, including his decision to donate 90% of his presidential salary to charitable organizations and his choice to live in a modest farmhouse instead of the presidential residence.

Awards

No awards have been found for this documentary.

Quotes

  • "I'm not a poor president. Poor are those who think that with more they are happier.” - Jose Mujica
  • "Please don't use the president as an example. Use your parents, use your friends, use Jesus, use anybody else." - Jose Mujica

Music / Soundtrack

  • The soundtrack for El Pepe, a Supreme Life features a blend of traditional Uruguayan music and original compositions. It adds depth and emotion to the storytelling, enhancing the viewer's experience.
  • Artists such as Rubén Rada, Eduardo Mateo, and Jaime Roos contribute to the film's soundtrack, capturing the essence of Uruguayan culture and its connection to the story of José Mujica.