Documentary films, by their nature, reflect to some extent the views of their creators and the best of them point this out and are very careful to separate fact from fiction, historical events from speculation.
This is not the case in this documentary and I think it was made mostly with entertainment purposes, rather than really uncovering something substantial.
A lot of the stated "facts" have not been proven and events are distorted for the purposes of manipulation or plain entertainment value. I will give just one example: in the beginning it is briefly stated that Tsar Boris III is poisoned by Hitler - this an absolute, unproven speculation, a conspiracy theory, and I think does not make much sense in view of the historical events at the time (1943). Maybe he was poisoned - but who did it? The Soviets had a much better motive to poison him - right after he visited Germany - to seem so that the Tsar died poisoned by Hitler... Who poisoned him? I have no idea...but I guess the Mr.. Booth is so certain that he does not see the need to elaborate and simply states unproven fiction as fact.
There are many more such distortions of facts surrounding also the current events, and overall the movie feels like a dramatization of a conspiracy theory, taking too much for granted, giving a very shallow overview of events, taking into account only the suitable viewpoints.
The good guy in the end is the banker Tsvetan Vasilev - REALLY!? This is absolutely ridiculous.
Fat, ugly mobster-politicians are, according to Booth, the very obvious evil doers, but are they really at the bottom of it all? Common sense tells me that this is never the case.
It is true that Bulgaria is a battleground of foreign interests, but this battle is much more intricate than shown in this documentary. It is true that the Russians have a major influence (you'd be surprised if they didn't), but so do other forces.
I would advise viewers (especially foreign - because most Bulgarians will see through the manipulations), to be careful and to read more, if they are really curious. If not - watch this as entertainment, as its purpose seems to be.
And lastly - I was really impressed by the statement of the naive Bulgarian lady at the the end of the movie, who said that she was awaiting for the moment when our country will rid itself of corruption and "America will come to Bulgaria". Oh, REALLY!? This is so sweet. Americans to the rescue! Please RESCUE US, like you rescued Libya, half the Islamic world and Latin America. Come on, Americans, come and make us a prosperous country, where everyone has a laptop, so that we can watch your movies!
23 Reviews
Disappointing
slarlos13 April 2020
So ridiculous that it's entertaining
mtrifonov5 September 2019
Being a Bulgarian I can say I enjoyed this movie (I can't say it is documentary as it does not present any facts but some not-so-randomly selected people opinions) so I consider it as entertaining.
My favorite and (one of the fannies moments) is when when the author says: "Sunny Beach... people come for cheap counterfeit Russian liquor.." I understand that according to the author we (Bulgarians) are intellectually decapitated people living in ghettos but still couldn't we at least get the credit for producing our own fake alcohol. Should he give even the fake alcohol to the Russians? Really?
No point in commenting on other topics the movie is covering. Most of the stuff is either not true or twisted in a strange way.
I recommend it to all Bulgarians. Everybody have to watch it and try not to get angry or irritated. It's a good exercise for mental stability.
Amateur
greyswondir25 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
A ridiculous 'documentary' and sadly not because some of the stuff is not real but because of the exaggerations, misleading drama effects, simply changing the words people are saying /in the english subtitles/ with whatever the author felt would underline his point, showing some stuff from the news that happened years ago and aligning it with his current time frame of the movie, etc, etc, etc. Shame on you mr. Booth. I dont know who funds you but a journalist student would produce a better movie. Instead of making a real documentary on this problem this stupid amateur propaganda video shootout is serving exactly the same people that it goes against.
Especially funny is the end where the generous big white father from Washington /or Texas in this case/ comes back to the gypsy hustler who put some sign from the trash, put a few snacks on the windows of his own house and pretends there is a coffee shop. I dont know if the filming crew staged this or just got fooled but in any case it was the well deserved ending of this so called 'documentary'
Sad but true
kurmur27 August 2019
The reality in Bulgaria. The only problem i found with this movie was that the author is very much biased and constantly gives us the America is great, Russia is bad narrative.
Outside of this critique the movie is full of facts and true stories.
Outside of this critique the movie is full of facts and true stories.
Interesting, but little too shallow at exposing the depths of the situation
kuronablade26 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I am 21 years old ex security guard shift leader(shift manager in mcdonalds terms in security area)195cm 103kg. Now to the point the movie shows some things a little bit leaning toward someone as evildoer. Unfortunately the people showed as true evildoers are different 'Peevsky" dude is hand that is controlled, the true person behind all is the richest person with the lovelly nick name "THE SKULL" Vasil Bojkov. I worked for him enough to know some stuff, the main office of certain Gas companies is in same business building as his company. Overall the things are accurate, but more importantly the negative reviews are made from people who are pure haters. In order to understand how economy work you need to study business enterprise or economy or relevant education outside eastern Europe or Russian's countries. Additionally the subtitles sometimes were misleading mostly what the security guard said. That doesn't change the situation or the story at all, but a little more clarity would be better on subtitles. Overall it is good movie to show how things are around these parts. I don't understand why the Bulgarian woman English is soo bad:) but nvm.
P.S. ALL NEGATIVE REVIEWS ARE FROM UNEDUCATED PEASANTS AND TROLLS. They believe that Bulgaria is not corrupt because they watch Tv as the only source of information. Additionally my source of information is IRL(in real life including CCTV Security cameras and me being forced by my job to do things for mafia guys). As young woman i want to say many young people are involved in inherited corruption deeds. From their parent to their kids moving on the mission. The main mission is not to be against USA how it is somehow portrayed in the movie. The main mission is to own more countries serving Russia.
And lastly the main issue i got with this movie is that mafia is shown as working for Russia only and Turkey minorities working for Russia. That is not quite true they are together to a degree. But the country is split on 3 pieces biggest 2 are Russian and Turkey sides smaller one is Free ones (less than 5% of total population). Russian and Turkey sides are different and have different ideas.They follow same style of control, but each one of them want to dominate the other so they arent friends, but temporal allies until they achieve power to separate.
A misleading movie of no cinematographic or factological value
MBolide20 July 2020
Absolutely disappointing from the beginning to the very end. Biased representation of what can hardly be called the reality expressed in the views of a few conveniently selected Bulgarians. There were probably one or two people in the so-called movie who contributed some actual facts, everything else even if partially based on any real events was so purposefully twisted to fit the US-Russia relations model that Kevin Booth went there to discover, that for me the movie lost all its credibility. Incorrect and partial translation of the words of some of the Bulgarians and even adding some more words just to make it even more ridiculous. There was no sign that Kevin Booth had put any effort into finding out anything at all about Bulgaria prior to his visit. Trying to portray the country as a leftovers-from-communism ghetto and inspiring the people with his American rebel spirit was laughable. Attempting to cover too many bases or to connect the dots (in his words) by using drones and a few non-identified participants, let alone the actual memes that were included - let's just say a point was not proved. To call this a documentary would be an exaggeration to say the least, to say that it has any entertaining purpose would be yet another stretch.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart
pearsallslim29 August 2019
Finally someone recognized about the Bulgarian pain and slow disappearance! I live in America for the last 5 years I was blessed to earn a green card and start over, but the price to pay was leaving my family behind! I told as many people as I could about the movie, because nobody talks about it in Bulgaria, I hope it is heard from more people! The protests in 2013 I was there I hoped that this time we could do something so many people were there fighting for justice, but my hope was crushed, everything fell apart it is like it never happened.... Seeing your movie I was so sad, I cried the whole time almost, because knowing about something and actually seeing it is just totally different feeling! So thank you and God bless you!
An eye opener
pipandpenny11 September 2019
This film was for me interesting and shocking. Although I live in Bulgaria and knew about the mafia I had no idea the extent of their infiltration into every part of life here. I only gave it 7 because I felt it was too long and in parts disjointed. Thanks to all involved in making it, well done!
A new genre
4u4o11 May 2021
Amazing documentary telling the brutal truth about Bulgarian Corruption
smokinq30 August 2019
I want to thank Kevin Booth and his team about this amazing movie! It is an amazing documentary about the reality on the Balkans in general! I strongly recommend to everyone to watch it! It shows the dirty truth about the Mafia in Bulgaria and the undercover communism that rules Europe!
Bulgarian
shalyavski30 August 2019
I am from Bulgaria
tedi-8628630 August 2019
Unfortunately, i didn't even know most of the things that are said in the movie. I am still young but in my opinion people need to know about the things that are said in the movie so no matter what the haters say you still have to watch it so you can to draw conclusions about my country and the things it is subject to
One of a kind documentary
eveto_xx1 September 2019
I think the movie did a great job in exposing bulgarian paid medias and how powerful they are. I am a bit dissapointed that most bulgarians haven't seen the movie yet, but no surprise - we are so used to corruption and manipulation, we ain't gonna fight it.
Well and fair done job from Kevin Booth.
evrobrand30 August 2019
I recently watched "Shadows of Sofia" and I am impressed of how the author, Mr. Kevin Booth has caught the correct mood and atmosphere of our Bulgarian social life and attitudes. As an actve citizen I am a close-up witness of all events in the BG political arena from 30 years ago until now and the struggle of our country against Russia's harmful influence during that period. Anyway no need to be thorough spectator to see and feel our country is ruled by post communist way of thinking and acting. That is what Mr. Booth has managed to achieve presenting many aspects via his excellent documentary film. I am sure he is very lucky man reaching and defending the Truth.
Respect!
Great movie overall.
flyboy-1104530 August 2019
The only stuff I didnt like is the inaccuracy with the subtitles and the gypsy part. Yes people are being racist towards them, but you have no idea whats the situation in some less populated areas (crime rates are up in the sky).
Bulgarians still fight against communism
kalina_v31 August 2019
I want more
pavlov200019 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
To the creator:
First of all, thank you for the movie, it is very important that society is informed about what happens to it, who and what is controlling and destroying our lives.
On the other side: The film touches only the surface of the horrible truth, but unfortunately fails to dive deep enough. I'm sorry, but it seems that your idealistic worldview blinds you and you fail to see things even when they are right in front of your eyes.
Example: you bought a laptop for the gipsy girl hoping that she would be educated and have a better future. Two days later, the laptop was already sold! She does not attend school, although education in Bulgaria is free for all children until they finish high school (all taxpayers pay for that through income taxes) !! In 2 years when she turns 14, her father will probably sell her to the highest bidder !!! If he does not, then will send her to prostitute together with her mother, or there is a high chance that he will involve her in another type of crimes - mostly theft!!! That does not happen in 100% of the cases, but it is mostly what actually happens and in result creates a certain stereotype, which becomes a reason for the racism. To you, did it looked like her fat father has nothing to eat??? You were invited to have lunch with the gipsies, do you think that they had not enough alcohol to drink or food to eat? !!!! All this was right in front of your eyes, but you did not notice it and criticized it neither at the very moment nor later during the editing of the video???!!!! You have to realize that these people are voters used so that the ruling class get established. Do not get me wrong, the gipsies (the highest share of the population in Bulgaria compared to the shares of gipsies in the populations of any other country) are not the only cause of the problem, but it is ugly to me that you simply accept all that facts placed right in front of you, find them completely normal and do not dare to criticise them.
Believe me, I can go on and on with every other aspect of the film.
Even the very fear of filming something in public is obvious evidence. The very fact that you are being obstructed to do that.
And you make Tzvetan Vasilev look like a pure water - a victim that did not know anything from the start?! Please open your eyes.
In conclusion: Thank you again. Even though the film touches only the surface of the reality, it is a good thing that it exists and I appreciate it. But you and we all have to stop being people with eyes wide shut and must stop lying ourselves about the horrible nature of the ruling classes in the world.
Sadly but the truth is that we live in a kind of George Orwell's world even though it might look as if it has a little bit more of a colour. But that is just a cover painting that hides the cold grey below. This is the mindset with which you should have started the shooting of the movie.
First of all, thank you for the movie, it is very important that society is informed about what happens to it, who and what is controlling and destroying our lives.
On the other side: The film touches only the surface of the horrible truth, but unfortunately fails to dive deep enough. I'm sorry, but it seems that your idealistic worldview blinds you and you fail to see things even when they are right in front of your eyes.
Example: you bought a laptop for the gipsy girl hoping that she would be educated and have a better future. Two days later, the laptop was already sold! She does not attend school, although education in Bulgaria is free for all children until they finish high school (all taxpayers pay for that through income taxes) !! In 2 years when she turns 14, her father will probably sell her to the highest bidder !!! If he does not, then will send her to prostitute together with her mother, or there is a high chance that he will involve her in another type of crimes - mostly theft!!! That does not happen in 100% of the cases, but it is mostly what actually happens and in result creates a certain stereotype, which becomes a reason for the racism. To you, did it looked like her fat father has nothing to eat??? You were invited to have lunch with the gipsies, do you think that they had not enough alcohol to drink or food to eat? !!!! All this was right in front of your eyes, but you did not notice it and criticized it neither at the very moment nor later during the editing of the video???!!!! You have to realize that these people are voters used so that the ruling class get established. Do not get me wrong, the gipsies (the highest share of the population in Bulgaria compared to the shares of gipsies in the populations of any other country) are not the only cause of the problem, but it is ugly to me that you simply accept all that facts placed right in front of you, find them completely normal and do not dare to criticise them.
Believe me, I can go on and on with every other aspect of the film.
Even the very fear of filming something in public is obvious evidence. The very fact that you are being obstructed to do that.
And you make Tzvetan Vasilev look like a pure water - a victim that did not know anything from the start?! Please open your eyes.
In conclusion: Thank you again. Even though the film touches only the surface of the reality, it is a good thing that it exists and I appreciate it. But you and we all have to stop being people with eyes wide shut and must stop lying ourselves about the horrible nature of the ruling classes in the world.
Sadly but the truth is that we live in a kind of George Orwell's world even though it might look as if it has a little bit more of a colour. But that is just a cover painting that hides the cold grey below. This is the mindset with which you should have started the shooting of the movie.
Thank your for making this Documentary Film that Shows Reality in my Country Bulgaria
drumeventerprises9 September 2019
This Movie for me show the Reality of the former Communist Secret Service and How through corruption and through privatization of The Former Socialist Industry and Factory's and Gray economic control of power making Bulgaria the most poor country in the EU the most corrupt country in all of Europe and with one of the last in Media Freedom Worldwide.
It is sad what is happening and yes it is true that Bulgaria has one of the Fastest and Major Population and Demographics Catastrophe without any war or anything.I appreciate all the Hard Work of Kevin Booth and the Staff as well as all supporting team that helped them.I really hope one day justice will be served and the Mafia Bosses Like Peevski,Borisov and Tsacarov will not be the 3 main decision making people in my Beautiful Country leading it to Disaster.
That is why us-The young post-Communism generation emigrated and ran away from all that to search for opportunities in the United States and so on...
Russian occupation
shahinshukriev7 September 2019
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