Credited cast: | |||
Gary Dourdan | ... | Aaron | |
Bashar Rahal | ... | Michael | |
James Tumminia | ... | Dr. Joseph Napolitano | |
![]() |
Georgi Staykov | ||
Niki Iliev | ... | MMA Translator | |
![]() |
Diana Lyubenova | ... | Evelyn |
![]() |
Luke Cousins | ... | Foreign Commentator #1 |
J.J. Gonzalez | ... | Tony (as J.J. Phillips) | |
![]() |
Anton Poriazov | ... | Athlete 1 |
![]() |
Roy Hill | ... | Superintendant |
![]() |
Sanya Borisova | ... | Zhana |
![]() |
Orlin Pavlov | ... | Bobby |
![]() |
Vladimir Mihailov | ... | Buglarian Singer |
![]() |
Michael Guercio | ... | John |
![]() |
Katerina Evro | ... | Mother |
When Aaron, an ex-fighter, turns to music after years of being knocked around and left with permanent mental disabilities, falls for Jana, an off-centered Bulgarian immigrant living in New York. While he recognizes that she is as crazy as him, Jana does not share the same opinion. But her brother, Bobby, an upcoming wannabe fighter, decides to convince her she is that crazy, in order to get Aaron in the ring against him. Written by Niki Iliev
This is a movie I can't do justice to. Of all three Niki Iliev movies so far, 'Knockout' represents his best work. I really enjoyed the idea of an ex-fighter with a mental disability who earns his living out of music gigs, his old hobby. I have to admit, there is always something special about mentally troubled characters.
Gary Dourdon, without doubt, pulls off a fantastic Oscar-worthy performance. I have watched a few of his movies, yes, he has a charisma, but this is arguably his most profound one. The character of Aaron makes him reveal his true talents.
Good directing. I really liked the scene with Zhana walking on the streets of Bansko, as beautiful as she is, creating an interesting contrast with the ruins of a collapsed building seen in the background.
And the music is just awesome!
Bulgarian cinema is reviving. Slowly, obviously, but we have faith. Please, continue with the good work. Hopefully, Bulgarian cinema will get on the radar for those movie fans who have a sense for nicely told stories and terrific acting.