Watch Zift

Zift is a Bulgarian film noir from 2008 that tells the story of a man named Moth who is released from prison after serving 20 years for a crime he did not commit. The film takes place in Sofia in 1963, during the communist rule of Bulgaria. Moth is a character with a dark past, and he's determined to get his life back on track after his release. However, he quickly finds himself caught up in a web of corruption, violence, and betrayal. On the night of his release, he is reunited with his old friend Slug, who is a member of the Bulgarian Mafia. Slug promises to help Moth get back on his feet, but it quickly becomes clear that he has his own agenda.

As Moth tries to adjust to life on the outside, he finds that the entire city of Sofia has changed. The old landmarks and familiar places he remembers are gone, replaced by concrete buildings and unfamiliar faces. He struggles to find his place in this new world, while constantly looking over his shoulder for anyone who might want to harm him.

The film's title, Zift, refers to a tar-like substance that Moth ingests in order to survive in prison. It's a powerful metaphor for the way that Moth is forced to adapt to the harsh realities of life outside of prison, and the compromises he must make in order to survive.

Throughout the film, Moth is haunted by the memory of his lost love, Ada. She is the only person who truly understands him and provides a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak world. As he navigates the treacherous underworld of Sofia, he clings to the memory of their relationship as a source of comfort and motivation.

The film is shot in black and white, and features beautifully atmospheric cinematography. The streets of Sofia are depicted as a dark and dangerous place, full of shadows and hidden dangers. The film also features some striking visual imagery, such as a giant statue of Stalin being pulled down in the opening scene.

The performances in the film are excellent, particularly from lead actor Zachary Baharov, who brings a brooding intensity to the role of Moth. Tanya Ilieva is also excellent as Ada, bringing a quiet intelligence and depth to the character.

Zift is a film that oozes style and atmosphere, and the visceral nature of its storytelling makes it a compelling watch. The film's themes of corruption, betrayal, and survival are universal, and the way they are explored within the context of Bulgaria's communist history gives the film a unique perspective.

Overall, Zift is a powerful and haunting film that is well worth watching for fans of the film noir genre. It's a bold and stylish piece of filmmaking that deserves to be seen by a wider audience.

Zift is a 2008 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.