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Zift (2008)

★★½ — Zift (2008)

Zift is a Bulgarian neo-noir shot in black and white, adapted by director Javor Gardev from his own stage play of the same name, which itself drew on Vladislav Todorov's novel. Gardev had worked extensively in theatre before this, his feature debut, and the film carries that sensibility in its heightened, expressionistic style. Shot on a modest budget of under $800,000, it was co-produced with Bulgarian National Television and the Bulgarian National Film Center, placing it firmly within the country's state-supported art film tradition. The story is set against the backdrop of communist Bulgaria in the 1960s, a period that had seen the country locked under Soviet-aligned rule since the coup of September 1944, and that historical claustrophobia saturates the film's visual atmosphere.

A-Z World Movie Tour Bulgaria This is basically the equivalent of a black n white Bulgarian Guy Ritchie film. It's laid out non-linearly up until Moth is released from prison. Then it's linear until the end. I love the way the film has narration. I love it's black and white style. In fact... I was well on my way to giving this a really respectable 4* or higher. However... there is a HUGE plot hole at the end. One which unravels pretty much the entire film before it. Shame really.

Rating: ★★½ | Year: 2008 | Watched: 2025-05-31

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Where to watch (UK)

Stream: Netflix · Netflix Standard with Ads
Physical: Amazon UK

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