The Promise (2016) is a historical drama directed by Terry George, set against the backdrop of the Armenian Genocide during World War I. The film explores the complex relationship between a love triangle and the atrocities that were taking place at the time.
The story follows Michael Boghosian (played by Oscar Isaac), a medical student in Ottoman-controlled Armenia, who finds himself caught in the middle of the Armenian Genocide. He meets and falls in love with a young woman named Ana (Charlotte Le Bon), who is engaged to Chris Myers (Christian Bale), an American journalist covering the events.
As the genocide unfolds, Michael, Ana, and Chris are forced to navigate their personal relationships while confronting the horrors of the massacres and the political struggles surrounding the events. Chris, with his journalistic background, seeks to expose the truth, while Michael fights to survive and protect his loved ones.
The film highlights both the personal stakes of the characters and the larger historical context of the genocide, which is one of the first major genocides of the 20th century, with over a million Armenians systematically killed by the Ottoman Empire.
- Oscar Isaac as Michael Boghosian
- Charlotte Le Bon as Ana Kesarian
- Christian Bale as Chris Myers
- Jean Reno as a character named General.
- Shohreh Aghdashloo also plays a significant role in the film.
Historical Context:
The film portrays the Armenian Genocide, where an estimated 1.5 million Armenians were killed by the Ottoman Empire from 1915-1917. The events were denied by the Turkish government, but The Promise brings attention to the ongoing efforts to recognize the genocide.
Reception:
The film received mixed reviews. While it was praised for its historical accuracy and the performances of the cast, some critics felt that the film struggled to balance the heavy political and historical aspects with the love story. The film’s production values, including its cinematography and set design, were also positively noted.
Overall: The Promise serves as both a love story and an educational piece that brings attention to a significant but often overlooked historical tragedy. It strives to highlight the human aspect of the Armenian Genocide while also serving as a platform for raising awareness about the event.
