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.

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!

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.

A must watch with jaw dropping plot. The actors are just unbelievable and the hype is really worth it. Even if you don't support Levski Sofia the film is spectacular because it's a story about love, about character, about communists regime, the poor, then the rich, the never the greedy. True to the fans until his last breath. The best film that Bulgaria has produced , definitely worthy of international recognition. It's humorous, romantic and veeeeery intense. Keeps you at the edge of your seat after the 20th minute. Having the film settle in, I can't find more words to admire the amazing job they have done so I will just say one last thing: watch it!