‘The Black Sea Review’ | A Brooklynite in Bulgaria

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As a seasoned movie enthusiast who has traversed the globe to uncover hidden gems and blockbusters alike, I must say that my recent encounter with “The Black Sea” left me utterly captivated. Having wandered through the bustling streets of New York for years, I never would have imagined finding such a rich tapestry in the small Bulgarian town of the film’s namesake.

Picture yourself stepping into an unfamiliar, small town abroad, only to find yourself treated as if you were a renowned celebrity. It’s possible that the locals may have mistaken you for a well-known North American figure. Alternatively, they could be simply awestruck by the unusual sight of someone so distinctively out of place in their typically familiar environment. Such was the experience of the filmmakers behind The Black Sea.

As stated by their directors, when they saw crowds gathering around Derrick B. Harden in Bulgaria, people likely thought he was a famous movie star or musician due to his striking appearance. However, this was actually the debut of Harden as a lead actor in his first film titled “The Black Sea“, named after one of Bulgaria’s water bodies. Given his performance, it seems unlikely that this will be his only major role.

Under the guidance of Harden and Crystal Moselle, the captivatingly poetic new drama has been making its way through film festivals and is now set to be released in select theaters. Residents of Brooklyn will appreciate Jordan’s authentic accent and charming personality, both of which embody the unique culture found within New York City’s esteemed borough. Although this storyline about a fish-out-of-water may seem familiar on the big screen, Harden’s charm is irresistible, particularly when paired with a certain female character from Bulgaria who later proves to be a perfect match in the narrative. The Black Sea manages to achieve nearly everything a movie like this aims for: it inspires, tugs at your heartstrings, makes you laugh, and sparks romance.

Derrick B. Harden Is a Big Man in a Small Town

As a movie enthusiast, I found myself captivated by the character of Khalid, portrayed brilliantly by Harden in The Black Sea. This New Yorker exudes an assertive swagger that makes one ponder if he isn’t destined to become the city’s mayor. However, it becomes clear during the film that despite his confident demeanor, he’s stuck in a monotonous coffee shop job – but he unexpectedly walks away from it at our introduction to him.

Perhaps he does have a secret strategy in place, one that involves taking a strange trip abroad to Bulgaria to encounter an old woman. In a humorous and unexpected beginning to the movie, she receives a prophecy from a psychic that she should find happiness with a “Black man.” After discovering Khalid on Facebook (which is still popular), this New Yorker doesn’t hesitate and promptly sets off to meet him for some cold, hard money.

However, since it’s a movie, things deviate from the expected course when Khalid scores his touchdown. Although I won’t reveal any spoilers, one unlucky event triggers another, and before he can take a moment to savor his favorite matcha, Khalid finds himself in a quaint Bulgarian village. It seems like the townsfolk have never encountered a Black person before, as if they only know the sea that bears the same name.

Improvising a Friendship & Business Opportunity

Initially, Khalid was full of dreams and always looked on the bright side. However, now he finds himself penniless, despondent, homeless, and cut off from others in various ways. The language gap doesn’t make things easier. To add insult to injury, his passport gets stolen while he sleeps on a deserted boat one night. As the heart-racing first act unfolds into the second, we witness an uncomplicated yet captivating tale of survival – Khalid learns he must find ways to earn money in town if he hopes to make it through another day.

Initially, he works temporary gigs at the Black Sea port under Georgi (Stoyo Mirkov), a shady and harsh character. However, these jobs are merely stepping stones for Khalid, who eventually meets Ina (the charming Irmena Chichikova), a travel agent in town known for her kindness. With Ina’s help, Khalid rekindles the Brooklyn-born optimism within him, feeling empowered to declare defiantly towards the Black Sea: “I won’t be stopped!

Khalid embarks on a business partnership with open-minded Ina, leveraging her local ties to boost the success of his ventures across town, all while he strives to emulate the legendary status of the late DMX in rap music. The journey is bound to have its ups and downs, but it’s an exciting, chaotic ride due to the spontaneous scenes depicted in the film. Inspired by real-life events, as told by Derrick B. Harden, and directed by Moselle (renowned for her documentary “The Wolfpack”), they create a realistic yet uplifting narrative that culminates in a moving finale.

A Simple but Irresistible Journey

Beyond the captivating performances by Harden and Chichikova, The Black Sea offers an enriching experience as it transports viewers into an entirely distinct environment. For New Yorkers and others who might not be well-versed in this part of Europe, it provides a unique insight. This could spark creativity in aspiring storytellers and filmmakers, encouraging them to explore new territories with their work. Given the turbulent political climate both domestically and abroad these days, why not escape to a cinema for a while, immersing yourself in a foreign culture for a brief moment of your day?

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2024-11-22 06:38