The Promise
Oscar-winning director Terry George (Hotel Rwanda) helms this 1914 drama set in Istanbul moments before chaos hits the capital. Stars Golden Globe-winner Oscar Isaac (Star Wars: The Force Awakens), Charlotte le Bon (The Walk) and Oscar winner Christian Bale (The Fighter).
When Michael (Isaac), a brilliant medical student, meets Ana (Le Bon), their shared Armenian heritage sparks an attraction that explodes into a romantic rivalry between Michael and Ana’s boyfriend Chris (Bale), a famous American photojournalist dedicated to exposing political truth. As the Ottoman Empire crumbles into war-torn chaos, their conflicting passions must be deferred while they join forces to get their people to safety and survive themselves.
2016Rating: M, Mature themes and violence134 minsUSA
DramaTrue Story & BiographyWar
- Director:
- Terry George ('Hotel Rwanda', 'Reservation Road', 'Whole Lotta Sole')
- Writer:
- Terry GeorgeRobin Swicord
- Cast:
- Oscar IsaacChristian BaleShohreh AghdashlooAngela SarafyanJean RenoJames CromwellDaniel Giminez CachoMarwan Kenzari
The Promise / Reviews
The Guardian
There's something to enjoy about its traditional brand of storytelling, devoid of any irony.
Full reviewSydney Morning Herald
It's a handsome film and George manages to keep the genocide in focus with shots of the Turks herding long lines of refugees across the desert expanses. But the full horror is kept at one remove.
Full review
Screen Daily
The Promise finds Oscar Isaac lending his soulful, heartthrob magnetism to material that fails to achieve the timeless, old-fashioned feel to which it aspires.
Full review
NPR
It's a brutal war film, but it returns over and over to its ultimately unsatisfying romantic plot.
Full review
Hollywood Reporter
This will not enjoy the critical support given to George's Hotel Rwanda; compared to that flawed but affecting picture, this one looks like it was stamped by a cookie cutter.
Full review
FilmInk
Ultimately, The Promise is more admirable than enjoyable, but perhaps that was the intent.
Full review
Collider
There's nothing wrong with old fashioned if done the right way, but 'The Promise' feels like the kind of film that's out of date.
Full review
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