King for a Day

This film is a comedy about a poor man named Purko. Purko always fails in his attempt to escape from poverty. The film illustrates the social and the moral atmosphere in Bulgaria during the 1930's.

Synopsis

This film is a comedy about a poor man named Purko. Purko always fails in his attempt to escape from poverty. The film illustrates the social and the moral atmosphere in Bulgaria during the 1930's.

Reviews

D

deepkino

Dec 17, 2025

One of the great Bulgarian comedies, blending humor with biting social critique. The film follows Purko, played brilliantly by Todor Kolev, a poor man who trades his modest life for one day of living like a wealthy man. What begins as a comic fantasy quickly turns into a bittersweet tale about illusions, inequality, and the emptiness of material dreams. Kolev's performance stands out-his mix of naivety, humor, and quiet despair makes the character both funny and deeply human. The film's satire captures the contradictions of Bulgarian society in the 1920s, hiding sharp commentary behind laughter. Its humor is absurd and ironic, but its message is universal: status and wealth rarely bring real happiness. By the end, we're left with both laughter and sadness, making the film a timeless tragicomedy.