Gundi: Legend of Love

Knowing the life story of the legendary Bulgarian footballer Georgi Asparuhov, I knew this was going to be a tough movie to watch. Emotionally, the film takes you from the bottom to the top and all the way back down - a true masterpiece that made it impossible to hold back both the laughter and the tears. It is so much more than a movie about football, so much more than a film about Gundi. It is a tale of life during one of the most controversial periods in Bulgarian history, which has, in many ways, shaped our society today. It is a beautiful love story, an intriguing family saga, a clash between the poor and the rich and hands down the best Bulgarian movie I have seen.

There are rarely any good Bulgarian movies but this is definitely one of them. Following the beautiful but tragic story of Georgi Asparuhov this movie takes us on a journey through the past where life can be both simple and hard at the same time. It shows us that even in communist Bulgaria football talents at the likes of Asparuhov can stand out. The passion for football and the love for the special person in your life is presented in such a great way by the two main actors - Pavel Ivanov (Gundi) and Alexandra Svilenova (Lita). Also let's not forget that the real Velichka Markova portrayed by Alexandra is also part of the production and this makes the movie as genuine as it could be regarding historical details. Everything related to production and writing is on a such high level that it may as well compete with other non-Bulgarian movies with a much higher budget.

One word - masterpiece. Not just a movie, but a story. About love in all its dimensions - the love for the beloved person, the love for the beloved team, the love for an entire nation. A story about honor, dignity, modesty, uncompromising spirit, dedication, humility and magnanimity - everything that Georgi Asparuhov-Gundy was. An example in the past, present and hopefully in the future. A lesson in love and all other virtues. We laughed, we cried, I especially cried...a lot. A palette of emotions. Even if you're not a football fan, even if you don't like watching sports, just go watch the movie - it'll teach you a lot, and why not make me love football. Before he was a footballer, Gundy was a great man.

I am no PFC Levski fan, as a matter of fact I am not Bulgarian football fan at all. However I am a cinema fan , lover and phil. This is the first even Bulgarian production that i don't see even 1 actor to "over play" his role. Amazing cinematographic masterpiece, story telling and script. Pavel Ivanov is brilliant and genius as ever, he deserves a world stage! Ivan and Andrey, this time you really, really have done it. This is it, peak of your careers, cherish and live this moment. Alexanrda Svilenova, GENIUS role! I really want to mention Stoyan Radev, after Pavel and Alexanra, this was a world class performance, you won't go unnoticed! Much love to all the crew and actors, you will be all remembered, next to the big names of our cinema in the past prior 1990. Thank you, al!

Honestly it is really hard to write down anything about the movie. Such a mix of emotions. From laugh and happiness, through inspiration and pride, to the love and the pain.

It is not a movie about football or for football fans. It is a movie about the endless love for the family, the loved one and for the passion doing what you love. It is a movie about the values and beliefs of a generation that we must learn from. It is a movie about the example we all should follow. It is our duty.

And the end ... oh the end is ... Tears in the eyes, lump in your throat, countless thoughts in your head, and only one question- Why???

Gundi is eternal!