Doza shtastie

Vesela Toteva believed that a film based on her book will help channel some processes which she knew can't be done only through her foundation alone (the attempts to collaborate with the state brought her disappointment after disappointment). She waited for this film like she waited for her first granddaughter. She couldn't wait for them both. I knew about her life, I've read the book, and last night we watched the film. This transition of fate into another fate, of a woman to another woman, of reality into film, it's unbelievable. Yana Titova made a marvelous job. How could a daughter play her mother suffering from addiction who only loves her daughter and heroin? What did it cost her to relive all that? Valentina Karoleva is brilliant. How could you bring all that cast, how could you shoot it like that, how could you edit it like that, how could you find a soundtrack like that, how could you do all that with a tight budget and will? I don't know. But the result is astounding. Aleksandar Aleksiev, Nadi Tsvetkova, Nicky Stoichkov, what you did gives me hope. The best way to see the power of the film is through children. We went out with eyes full of tears. A Dose of Happiness is an honest film, honest like Vesela used to be, that's why children will believe it. Like you believe a slap in the face. This is a prevention film. Watch it with your children and buy the book Disgrace and Salvation.

"A dose of Happiness" is definitely one of the best contemporary Bulgarian films. The story itself isn't extremely exceptional but the way it is played out and filmed is amazing. Furthermore the fact that it is based on true events and the participation of the daughter of the real life victim in the movie who is starring her mother gives it a special touch. The script realy reflects the Bulgarian way of talking, the humor and culture of living. The actors are brilliant. The main character Valentina Karoleva manages to live the part impressively. The movie is filmed beautifully - the transitions are beautifully made so the movie manages to present a long amount of time without bejnf exhausting or boring. All in all I think that "A dose of happiness" is definitely a piece of art worth watching.

A real life story about the temptations in life, the struggles, pain and the faith in God! Strongly recommend it, it will touch you deeply and make you think about the real things in life! One of the best Bulgarian productions!

A film with a mission! Despite the hard subject of this movie, it's gifted with hope and light, without making it less thoughtful! It's not like any other film i've watched about drug addictions! There's no gloomy, moody colours to addition to cinematography! Those usually are seen in drugs-related movies, which I personally don't like at all! Brilliant work of the DoP Martin Balkansky. Yana Titova (director) did a fine and amazing job taking you through the real-life story that grabs you and leaves you speechless after that tough journey. And this is her debut future!! What to follow?! Valentina Karoleva is a super star! Can't believe she was able to play her mum's real story and went through that trauma from her childhood again! Amazing cast! Remarkable actors! Only thing I was missing was the massive fight with the addiction, but at the other hand this is exploited a thousand times, so actually saves you the pain. The message comes through very powerful anyway. And not to forget - this is Fully Independent Project! The producers should of been brave! Hope more people will watch it and the film will complete the mission of saving lives. Good luck!

Yes, people, go watch "A Dose of Happiness"! I can't fall sleep after I've watched it because this is a true phenomenon for Bulgarian cinema. I'm ashamed I went to congratulate the cast and crew while I was crying. Terrible... A grown-up woman like me, crying like a school girl. I'm not like that. I'm a serious, controlled, all in black, pseudointellectual (without the cigarette and the vodka bottle - a joke about the other pseudointellectuals). But there's something in you, some kind of a drive that doesn't let you go free and makes you say something, but you can't because you're crying, helpless. Thank you for making me feel this helplessness! I don't like feeling that way and being that way. But this helplessness was a great moment for my body and soul! Everyone will find something for themselves in this film. Everyone will be impressed by different things. You'll see, you'll understand. Do you know what's best? I can say this is an art-house film with a solid message, beautiful and touching story. It felt like European cinema with a Hollywood ending. Because I'm sick and tired of art messed up films which you think you've understood and want to talk about but you actually can't because it was just an artistic nonsense. No! "A Dose of Happiness" is unambiguous, with psychologically real characters, there's sensitivity, emotions, and feelings! There's Love and God! There's Truth! There's Power! There's a Reason that stays with you! And Valentina Karoleva is... Words can't describe my feelings about her. And I'd better not attempt it then. Thank you, Valentina! Thank you, Yana Titova! Thank you, Aleksandar Aleksiev! Thank you, Martin Balkansky! Thank you, Dimitar Nikolov, you theatre machine! Thanks to all the people who'd given a dose of their lives to give us a dose of happiness in this times, deprived of simple reason.