The Wheels of Heaven

I have had the pleasure to see this amazing film recently. To be honest, I have not seen such a good movie for a very long time.

The wheels of heaven is a really well-thought story depicted on the big screen. It perfectly shows how deception can be destructing for us humans and for our relationships. Amazing actors play, excellent directory, a lot of new faces on the screen next to experienced icons. Besides, the music underlines the message of the movie. I really liked this. I also admire, that even in such "dark" movie, you could find elements of humour and some jolly moments. For me definitely a well-done masterpiece.

The film definitely surprised me. It's not mainstream. It's not narrative. It's neither relaxing nor overwhelming. This is a film that cannot and should not be retold. At its core is the eternal battle between good and evil, between darkness and light, between black and white. It is by no means satanic, as some have labeled it without even watching it. But yes, the theme of the devil and God is present, as well as the fine line between religion and faith. Many of the painful topics of modern life are touched upon, many questions are raised, but there are no answers. Each viewer must find them for themselves.

An exceptional display of cinematography by Denis Madden, who has managed to capture not just beautiful shots but also to create an atmosphere that makes this film something absolutely different from anything we've seen so far. Dynamic, vivid, and real. You don't just watch the film-you step into it. You are inside.

The film is not literal. It doesn't serve everything on a plate; it makes you a participant in the action in some way. You want to understand what will happen in the end-will there be victory over darkness? Will light prevail? "The Wheels Of Heaven" vividly shows us that one cannot exist without the other and that you cannot reach absolute light without first passing through absolute darkness. No one is purely good or purely evil. It's all a matter of perspective.

Special attention must be given to the stellar cast, led by Mickey Rourke, who has been my favorite actor since the time of the classic The Wrestler. Alongside Rourke, the international cast includes Gary Stretch and Geoff Bell.

I cannot overlook the Bulgarian actors either-an outstanding performance by Desi Tenekedjieva, Eleonora Ivanova, Dimitar Nikolov, Ovanes Torosyan, and all the other incredibly talented faces who contribute to the film's powerful impact. This is grand cinema. And grand cinema is for connoisseurs, for people ready to reflect on it without forming conclusions in advance.

I don't know why, but this movie somehow reminded me of Stanley Kubrick's cinematic masterpieces, where striking visuals are combined with powerful music that transports you into a completely different space and creates an entirely unique impression. Once again, this is the impact of grand cinema, which is, above all, art. And art is not explained-it searches. Go and experience it.

"Devil's Play" is one of those films that tries to shock at all costs, but instead evokes confusion and disgust. The movie, which claims to be deep and philosophical, is actually a chaotic mix of satanic symbols, a weak script, and even weaker direction.

The film exploits occult and satanic symbolism. Instead of offering a profound interpretation of good and evil, it simply layers on clichéd satanic imagery that shocks and repels.

The direction of "Devil's Play" leaves the impression that even the people behind the camera weren't sure what they were trying to achieve. Some shots even resemble low-budget television productions, rather than a film claiming international recognition.

Unrealistically high ratings for this film can easily be found online, which are clearly given by people with direct ties to the production. This is a typical tactic for films that would otherwise receive no positive attention. Real reviews from viewers not connected to the project are far more critical and clearly show that the film is far from quality cinema.

"Devil's Play" not only offers nothing new, but also repels with its pretentiousness and cheap provocations. Weak direction, ridiculous dialogues, and intrusive satanic undertones make it a film that is hard to take seriously. I would not recommend this production to anyone who values their mental well-being and time. If you're looking for a meaningful thriller or drama - look elsewhere.

It could be a story for love, for agression, for lies, for the dark side of the human being and the bright side as well. Mickey Rourke's presence is impressive! His talent reigns over the whole story! Yong actors and Dessy Tenekedjieva and Gary Strech are very good in their acting. Their characters are lost in the middle of nowhere of their own life. The story is interesting, full of unexpected twist and turns. There are two faces of devil - a young man and priest and two faces of the angel - a young woman and her deaf mother. And the end is a surprise. It is a different film. Chocking but interesting to be seen.

The plot and pacing were a total mess. It's like the director was making it up as they were filming it. Some utterly and completely confusing scenes which brought no support to the plotline. Horrible pacing. Bad English from the Bulgarian actors (Except for Torosyan, he is the only one who seems to have taken it seriously). Also, why did this movie even have to be in English? One of the better scenes was in Bulgarian and was actually touching. The advertising leans heavily on Mickey Rourke, but 95% of his scenes are very obviously filmed off-site and spliced into the movie at times which are vaguely related to what he says. Not even going to get into the religious themes and imagery, because that is a total mess. Good cinematography and choice of filming locations. Alright music. Overall, seems like a dust-in-your-eye-with-marketing cashgrab. Is Bulgarian cinema on its way back downhill after "Gundi"?