Well I didn't know anything about Bulgaria's crime syndicate before watching this documentary on Amazon's Prime Video service. Now I do!
Interviews with a high-ranking ex-member called Georgi Stoev from historical tv segments and additional sequences reacted by Stefan Antonov; an experienced journalist with knowledge of Bulgarian Governance and Business Journalism, according to his Linked-in page and a Google Search.
The technique used is solid; it's really a lot of lifted footage from news' channels and interviewing knowledgeable about the gangland violence and their history and links of imitating The Godfather book by Mario Puzo.
There's a LOT of clichés but what does one expect from this genre of subject? I like the interviews and the questions generally are strong and direct. The narrator does a good job of explaining the situation.
It's a bit long for what it is and it glamourises their success but it also has a cynical approach and shows people that gangland lifestyle is not a good career path to get old in life.
It's a good documentary except it's very formulated and there's so many of this type. It could explain a bit more about the Bulgarian side of finance and governance bureaucracy but that's always difficult with Eastern block countries.
Overall it's a valiant effort but it's a very overdone genre and there's better stuff now. It's aged well but it's not as good as other documentaries in this field. A strong seven.
Once Upon a Time in the East
2011
Action / Documentary
Once Upon a Time in the East
2011
Action / Documentary
Plot summary
In the 90s Bulgaria joined the Eastern Bloc's race for freedom. But as thousands flooded the streets calling for democracy the shadows were giving birth to criminal enterprise. And before anyone could realise, the criminals had taken over the new 'democratic' society. The street gangs dominated, a steel hand of fear was forced on the population. And freedom had come to Bulgaria! They quietly privatised everything in their own interests.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
October 10, 2021 at 05:53 AM