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6.8/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.8/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Two-Buldi-Two remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Alright, so if you're not already into really old movies, like silent era old, then Two-Buldi-Two probably isn't going to be your new favorite. It's a 1929 flick, right in the middle of all that Russian Civil War stuff. But for folks who like a peek into history, or just appreciate cinema before sound took over, there’s some interesting stuff here. If you expect quick pacing or modern storytelling, you’ll probably find yourself drifting off. 😴
The premise itself is kinda neat: a circus troupe trying to, well, *exist* while a country tears itself apart. You’ve got these performers, led by strongman Buldi, played by Aleksandr Gromov. He's this big, intense guy, and his face really tells a story even without words. The movie tracks their journey, moving through war-torn landscapes. You really feel the weight of their travels.
One thing that really stuck with me was the **visuals of the circus itself**. There’s a scene early on where they’re performing, and the camera movements feel pretty advanced for the time. Not just static shots. You get a real sense of the physical effort these people put in, the sweat and the strain, even through grainy black and white film. The acrobatics especially.
They’re trying to keep the show going, which feels like a metaphor you don’t even have to try and find. Life goes on, even when everything around you is falling apart. It’s a simple message, but powerful here. It resonated, honestly.
The film’s title, Two-Buldi-Two, it’s a bit of a mystery at first. It refers to Buldi’s two
