The Eighth (1969)
A gripping Bulgarian WWII drama about partisan courage, hidden betrayal, and the relentless fight against fascism behind enemy lines.
The Eighth - Movie Information
- Original Title: Осмият
- Release Year: 1969
- Directed by: Zako Heskiya
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Action, War
- Runtime: 1h 42m
- Original Language: Bulgarian
- Spoken Languages: Bulgarian
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 17, 1969 (BG - C)
- Alternative Titles: Ósmy (PL), A nyolcadik (HU), Eine Falle für den Verräter (DE), Восьмой (RU), Osmiyat (BG)
- Production Companies: Boyana Film, Bulgarian Cinematographie
- Production Countries: Bulgaria
The Eighth - Plot
During World War II, a plane transfers Bulgarian antifascists from the USSR to Bulgaria. They jump with parachutes. The eighth paratrooper heads a guerilla group. In the group, there are doubts about the existence of a traitor. Initially, an innocent person is accused, but later the real traitor is caught and killed. Still, the most dangerous enemies of the guerillas are the colonel and the troops stationed in the nearby village. The battle between them and the guerillas is won by the latter who continue to fight for their cause.
Where to Watch The Eighth
Looking for where to watch The Eighth?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Eighth - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Zako Heskiya
Main Cast
- Georgi Georgiev-Getz
- Nikola Anastasov
- Meglena Karalambova
- Stoycho Mazgalov
- Anton Gorchev
- Djoko Rosic
- Ivan Nalbantov
- Luchezar Stoyanov
- Dimitar Panov
- Stefan Mavrodiev
Writers
- Petar Hristov-Vedrin
- Todor Monov
The Eighth - FAQs
What is The Eighth about?
The Eighth follows a Bulgarian paratrooper who parachutes into occupied Bulgaria during WWII to lead a guerrilla resistance unit. The group faces not only enemy troops but also internal suspicion when a traitor is believed to be hiding among them, testing loyalty and courage under fire.
Who is the traitor in The Eighth?
The identity of the traitor is a central mystery driving the film's tension. An innocent member is initially accused, adding a layer of tragic injustice to the story. The real traitor is eventually unmasked and killed, but not before the suspicion tears at the group's unity.
Is The Eighth based on a true story?
The Eighth is rooted in the historical reality of Bulgarian anti-fascist resistance during World War II. While the specific characters are fictional, the film reflects the genuine experiences of Bulgarian partisans who parachuted from the USSR to organize armed resistance against the fascist regime inside Bulgaria.
Who directed The Eighth (1969)?
The Eighth was directed by Zako Heskiya, a Bulgarian filmmaker who brought this wartime resistance story to the screen in 1969. The film was produced by Boyana Film and Bulgarian Cinematographie, the primary institutions behind Bulgarian cinema during that era.
Who are the main actors in The Eighth?
The film stars Georgi Georgiev-Getz in the lead role as the eighth paratrooper, alongside Nikola Anastasov, Meglena Karalambova, Stoycho Mazgalov, Anton Gorchev, Djoko Rosic, Ivan Nalbantov, Luchezar Stoyanov, Dimitar Panov, and Stefan Mavrodiev.
Does The Eighth have a happy ending?
The guerrilla unit ultimately wins the battle against the colonel and his troops stationed in the nearby village. It's a hard-fought victory — the group endures betrayal and loss along the way — but the partisans survive and press on, continuing their fight against fascism.
What genre is The Eighth (1969)?
The Eighth blends Drama, Action, and War into a tense partisan thriller. It combines the psychological intrigue of a traitor hunt with battlefield combat sequences, making it both an emotionally driven character study and a gripping wartime adventure set in occupied Bulgaria.
What are similar films to The Eighth?
If The Eighth appeals to you, consider exploring other WWII classics and resistance dramas such as The Young Lions (1958), The Secret of Santa Vittoria (1970), Battleground (1949), The Pianist (2002), and Schindler's List (1993) — films that share its themes of courage, occupation, and moral conflict.
More About The Eighth
Explore further details about The Eighth on these trusted resources.