Harakteristika

This engaging, understated film highlights the struggle of Party secretary Paliev (Ivailo Geraskov) to maintain his integrity in the face of escalating pressures. When he is asked to give a letter of recommendation for the corrupt Itseto (Atanas Atanassov) Paliev balks at the request. The Party works to change his mind first with bribes, then with underhanded tactics that cruelly affect his life. After they withhold the medicine his sick son needs to regain his health, even Paliev's wife turns against him, and he is further betrayed by a so-called friend. The path ahead of him does not offer much hope, yet he continues in his resolve.

Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide