Gundi: Legend of Love

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!

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.

So recently this movie broke the all time record with the interest and sold out pre-sale tickets for a premiere bulgarian production. I've watched it on day 1 of the premiere in cinemas in Sofia, Bulgaria on 18.10.2024.

Before that I've watched the trailers. I looked up the budget. I researched the actors. I was prepared for it. Or was I?

Usually I am not optimistic for the bulgarian film industry. I adore my cinema, not the bulgarian one. Movies are usually really... boring. Bad acting, bad plot, overall bad experience, especially if you are looking for a quality time spent with friends and family.

This one is simply exclusive. Really rare to find a bulgarian movie with that high production value and such a captivating plot. Actors are great. Storytelling is great. I won't spoil anything else, just go watch it and see for yourself. I had a wonderful time in a full packed movie theatre. Personally for me, this is one of the best bulgarian productions ever created, if not the best.

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!