Levski is a Bulgarian biographical historical drama film released in 2015. Directed by Nikolay Volev, the movie revolves around the life of Vasil Levski, famously known as the Apostle of Freedom, who played a significant role in securing Bulgaria's national liberation from the Ottoman Empire. The film opens with a young Levski (Simeon Filipov) witnessing the harsh treatment of his fellow Bulgarians at the hands of the Ottoman Turks. The sight of such inhumane acts fuels his determination to fight for Bulgaria's freedom. The movie then follows the life of Levski as he grows older and starts to work towards the country's liberation.
As Levski, Veselin Plachkov delivers an impressive performance, portraying the iconic figure with a sense of determination and grit. He captures the anger and frustration that Levski felt as he watched his people suffer under Ottoman rule. Furthermore, Plachkov portrays the strategic and versatile leadership qualities that Levski possessed, which enabled him to rally and unite the Bulgarians towards a common goal.
The movie explores Levski's life as he travels throughout Bulgaria, gathering supporters and building a resistance movement against the Ottoman Empire. Along the way, he faces many obstacles, including betrayal and capture by Ottoman forces. However, Levski's unwavering passion for his cause inspires his followers to continue their fight for freedom.
Maxim Genchev delivers an impressive performance as Stefan Stambolov, a close friend and compatriot of Levski. The relationship between Stambolov and Levski is portrayed well as the movie shows how they both shared an unbreakable bond and worked together to achieve their objectives.
The film also highlights the political and social climate of Bulgaria at the time, where the country was divided into two factions - the conservatives and the liberals. Levski's struggle to unite both factions towards a single cause is a significant theme throughout the movie.
The cinematography of Levski is stunning, capturing the beauty of the Bulgarian landscape and effectively portraying the harsh realities that Levski and his followers faced during their resistance. The film's musical score is also notable, capturing the emotional intensity of the story and the significance of the events portrayed.
In summary, Levski is an excellent biographical drama that captures the life of a significant historical figure and his contribution towards Bulgaria's liberation. The movie delivers a powerful message about the importance of national freedom and the sacrifices required to achieve it. With outstanding performances from the lead actors, breathtaking cinematography, and a remarkable musical score, Levski is a must-watch film for anyone interested in historical dramas.
