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!

Bulgarian cinema has been stagnating for decades, and unfortunately, 95% of the films that have come out have been of extremely low quality. Many projects suffer from a lack of strong storytelling, poor technical execution, and unconvincing performances, which have kept our national film industry from competing on the global stage. However, this film gave me hope for the future of our film industry. Impressive acting, exceptional directing, a wonderful script, and incredible work behind the camera make this a standout production that feels like a turning point. The attention to detail and the emotionally charged performances kept me engaged throughout the entire film. The cinematography is also on par with international standards, capturing both the beauty and the rawness of the story in a way that is rarely seen in Bulgarian films. I'm certain that this film should be Bulgaria's submission for the Oscar for International Feature Film, and I believe it has a great chance of winning. It's a must-watch.

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.

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.

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!