Watch The Promise

The Promise is a gripping historical drama film set in the tumultuous times of World War I. The movie, which stars Oscar Isaac, Charlotte Le Bon, and Christian Bale, tells the story of a love triangle between an Armenian medical student, Michael Boghosian (played by Isaac), a sophisticated Parisian woman, Ana Khesarian (played by Le Bon), and an American journalist, Chris Myers (played by Bale). The film takes the audience on a journey through the trials and tribulations faced by these characters as they navigate their way through the war-torn Ottoman Empire.

The movie sets the stage for the audience with its opening scenes that showcase the idyllic countryside of the Ottoman Empire, with lush greenery and a peaceful way of life. Through this setting, we are introduced to Michael, who has traveled from his home village to the city of Constantinople to study medicine. He boards with his father's cousin's family, who takes him under their wing as he begins his studies. Soon, Michael finds himself drawn to the beautiful Ana, a local artist who is committed to her work.

Ana is also caught up in a loveless relationship with Chris, an American journalist who is covering the war in the Ottoman Empire. Chris is brusque and cynical, a stark contrast to Michael's earnestness and devotion to his studies. Nevertheless, Ana and Chris are about to be married, and Michael is forced to keep his feelings for Ana hidden.

The Promise then takes us into the tumultuous times of World War I. As the Ottoman Empire aligns itself with Germany and Austria-Hungary, the Armenian minority in the Empire becomes increasingly marginalized and persecuted. The Ottoman government accuses the Armenians of siding with the Russians and rebels against the Empire, leading to mass deportations and massacres of the Armenian population.

As the war rages on, Michael becomes an eyewitness to the atrocities committed against his people, while Chris tries to expose them through his reporting. Ana finds herself caught in the middle of their two worlds, as she becomes increasingly drawn to Michael and his passion for his people's plight.

The Promise is a story of love, courage, and survival in the face of tremendous hardship. It is a sobering reminder of the devastating impact that war can have on innocent civilians caught in the middle of an international conflict.

The film's performances are outstanding, with Oscar Isaac delivering a nuanced and powerful portrayal of a young man torn between his love for Ana and his duty to his people. Charlotte Le Bon brings a sophisticated sensibility to her role as Ana, while Christian Bale is convincing as the tough and discerning journalist. The supporting cast is equally strong, with standout performances by Shohreh Aghdashloo as Michael's Aunt, Angela Sarafyan as Ana's friend, and Jean Reno as a French officer.

The Promise is a visually stunning film, with breathtaking shots of the Ottoman countryside and the city of Constantinople. The film's cinematography captures the beauty and grandeur of the Ottoman Empire while also conveying the sense of chaos and destruction that the war brings to the region.

Overall, The Promise is a moving and thought-provoking film that sheds light on a little-known chapter of World War I. Its message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity is both timely and inspiring, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer long after the film has ended.

The Promise is a 2017 history movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 49.