Bubblegum (2017) Poster

(I) (2017)

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8/10
Good story even without the socialist-modern justapose
dpetkov8 September 2018
Being a child of the 80s, born in Bulgaria, I found it easy to relate to the movie setting from communist time. It brought back memories, made me smile when thinking of the things I also used to do or experience. But if that was all to this movie, it would have been merely a successful exploitation of people's memories of times that were drastically different than the current ones (in what way, that is a differents story...). But what actually made me fall in love with this movie and write this comment is the fact that it goes beyond the socialism cliche and actually tells a story that almost anyone of us can relate to. The story of "what if...".
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8/10
Bubble perfect!
whotheff28 December 2017
Only a few great shots, almost no music, zero special effects. However the acting is superb! Casting is spot on. Both children and grown ups deliver a truly convincing and immersive story. Beni's role of the grandmother is fun and witty as cool grandmothers are. Natalya's role is full of micro emotions which could be felt through the screen. The kids play amazingly well. Instead of showing images on the screen, the director was drawing them straight in your head, adding sounds, smells and even tastes from the viewer's childhood. It is both the memories and nostalgia which cause huge waves of emotions throughout the whole movie. Communist Bulgaria was so well detailed, that I did not hesitate to belive it for a second. The only "bug" I found is when the two kids lie on the ground and the girls used the slang "yako" (cool) which became fashionable much later. Viewers, who were born after 1986 missed the communism and I wonder how would they react on this movie. For everyone older, the movie is a perfect ten!
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8/10
Pretty good for what it is.
shcxatter23 March 2022
Not gonna lie, the rating is higher(should probably be 7) than what the movie deserves, but that's because I'm pleasantly surprised, by the fact that Bulgarian cinema is finally trying to make something, that's not cookie cutter bulls**t. Highlights are the beautiful cinematography, a few creative pieces of dialog, some nice use of classical music, and the fact that the performances from the actors were realistic, not the usual theater acting. Don't be expecting something amazing, but if you would like to watch something that'll make you feel nostalgic about your childhood, and unrealized love interests, then watch this.
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10/10
Funny, romantic, philosophical, surprisingly great!
victorson-130 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
What an incredible chemistry we see on screen here and a beautiful story that comes to life! This film is equal parts funny, romantic and philosophical.

It all starts with the camera introducing viewers to the two main characters in their 30s, Kalin, a cynical marketing creative director, and Bilyana, an emigrant, who's come home for her sister's wedding and is engaged herself, yet terrified of the thought of a routine with a men she's not sure she loves.

A rather comical chance encounter between the two introduces us to a story of two kids who were once in love, but now strangers. The story gradually melts the ice as Kalin relives old memories and asks Bilyana to join in a trip down memory lane. It all comes alive as the screenplay reveals detail after detail of their childhood adventures and mischief, explaining that special "bubblegum" bond between the pair.

As the two strangers slowly realize this unlived love, they face decisions and have to rethink the future and decide whether they should go with a feeling or let reality pull them back to their everyday routine in different countries.

Only at the end of this film, when the credits roll, you realize there was no music in this film, no special effects, and you've watched captivating dialog and brilliant acting the whole time. Truly, a surprisingly great film.
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9/10
10/10 would recommend
sveteza-6403810 December 2018
One of the best movies I've seen! storyline and acting were incredible. made me cry which is pretty rare. definitely worth the time
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10/10
One of the best love stories I watched lately
mrtrenov26 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This was amazing movie. It gave me so much memories back .. probably because i also was raised in downtown Sofia. The love we had as a children was the purest one.. Take a second, think about your childhood love you had! How natural and sorglos it was. As children we don't have much control over our lives.. one morning you woke up , and your parents decided they will move to other city... you leave friends and your love and move on. Years past by and one day your eyes sees that old smile that was making you numb .. and the same wave of filings drowns you... Just amazing.. don't care how big the budget was , or camera's angle etc...As i saw comments like that. Just Thanks for the feelings that this movie gave me!

Sorry for the bad English!
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9/10
The Roaring Twenties
lachezarmatneshliev29 November 2022
Look up for omnipresent Bubblegum whether you're coming from the South Coast of Black Sea or elsewhere from south of Bulgaria understanding power of ''the way of water'' winterfell in Blagoevgrad are always worth the finest of ''my horse'' still gemini opposite. Bubblegum is extraordinary and captivating screenplay, lovely plot! Placed on the crossroads Bubblegum stories from main character Kalin captures the mesmerising union of ancient history in present days splendour inevitable with burning love! Bilyana and Kalin have intimate sex energy, beautiful connection and maybe will be a couple! London theatrical road is reflected in theirs love story and exceptional-remarkable experience ''kiss from a rose'' for one last time! Where traditions blends seamlessly with modern technology and comforts The rich history of this legendary destination in London is reflected at every level. Each eyes and view sending from Bilyana is features thoughtful, exquisite details to make your stable and exceptional ''undercover'' the latest technology with sensitive experience like nowhere else so far untill now! Beautifully composed Bubblegum cast and crew are lodge from exceptional likeminded, independent inspiring plots. Bilyana and Kalin believe's that it is the artistry of theirs love, theirs combined talent, skills and flair! Creating an fragile and horny environments so unmerried like memory ghost! Individual experiences, sending to the viewer a beautifully and unforgettable collection!
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1/10
Waste of time!
Nosferats2 October 2018
Jesus, this was dull! Everything - directing, acting and scenario. Do not waste your time with this low budget incredibly stupid movie.

It does show nothing from the communist era, the characters are empty as hell and the plot follows the same idiotic line - the past is children trying to pretend they are in the past but they do not even have the idea how to show this past. Even the children comunist clothes or games are ridiculous and nobody tried to make that at least trustworthy. It really feels like a wannabee cinema student with very low budget but who never tried to make the best of it. He did the worst. Avoid at all cost :)
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5/10
EUFF Review: Bubblegum (5 Stars)
nairtejas23 September 2019
The flashbacks really work in the nostalgia play that Bubblegum adopts to describe the power of longing for one's childhood and the people involved in it and how they can influence the decisions taken later in life. More than a dry comedy film, this is about romance and childhood memories that will make you take a trip down your own memory lane. The lead actors play it well and might just convince you to do a couple of things including popping a strip of bubblegum right now. TN.

(Watched and reviewed at the 24th European Union Film Festival (EUFF India) in Mumbai.)
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4/10
I came in with moderate expectations
igeorgievageorgieva24 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
But frankly, I wished to be pleasantly surprised. Unfortunately, I saw a badly stitched up plot with muplitple elements picked up from Western movies and pickled to banality in the Bulgarian context. Frankly, by watching the mises en scènes, you'd think Bulgarian kids in communism were dressed like Parisian kids today and Bulgarian advertisers work in London. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. The character of Bilyana lacks any realism, depth and development and the main plot line featuring her character was completely improbable with her as she was portrayed. The only redeeming feature was Kalin's character who seemed genuinely in the grips of emotion whilst reconsidering his life. Overall, the movie could have been so much better with a healthy dose of realism and skilful character writing for Bilyana.
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