THE PROMISE – Rated PG-13

THE PROMISE – Rated PG-13 – 2 hrs 12 mins.

Starring Oscar Isaac, Charlotte Le Bon & Christian Bale

Writer and Director Terry George brings to life the grotesque and inhumane Armenian Genocide which was cast upon these people at the hands of the Turks during World War I. Historically significant for its truths of what actually happened, even if the love story intertwined within its frames was not…we meet American Journalist Chris Myers (Christian Bale) stationed in Paris, with his beautiful wife Ana Khesarian (Charlotte Le Bon).

When Chris and Ana decide to head to Turkey, so that Chris can report on the Ottoman Empires fierce overthrow and inhalation of the Armenian population, Ana finds herself falling fast for the young and quite brilliant medical student Mikael Boghosian (Oscar Issac).

As Ana’s marriage continues to crumble, and Mikael finds himself betraying his betrothed back home, these two find that they have much more in common than just their Armenian heritage…

While Ana and Mikael are testing the waters of their new relationship, it seems that Chris has happened upon the truth of what is happening to the Armenians deep without Turkey. Now, caught between saving his marriage, and reporting the truth of the genocide happening before his eyes, Chris finds himself wanting to keep his wife, although knowing that she has fallen in love with the handsome Mikael.

When Mikael is forced to return home in an attempt to save his life from the Turkish government, he is reunited with his betrothed Maral (Angela Sarafyan), as he tries desperately to forget about Ana, as he must uphold his end of THE PROMISE he made to Maral and her family, so many moons ago…

As the genocide continues, Ana fights to save the Armenian orphans now left behind, while Chris continues to send reports of the savage mass destruction of the Armenian people, back home to America.

When a chance encounter brings Ana and Mikael back into one another’s lives, it seems that the love they once shared is still there, much to the despair of her husband Chris, who still finds himself caught up in the throws of their love for one another as well…

I give THE PROMISE a rating of MUST SEE ON THE BIG SCREEN: This film is extraordinary – from its beautiful portrayal of the Armenian people, to the fictional love story intertwined within the frames of this film, THE PROMISE is truly destined to become a classic that will withstand the test of time. The casting of THE PROMISE was also picture-perfect too, as Issac, Le Bon, and Bale do a superb job of portraying the love triangle that is forming amidst the demise of the Armenian people. Exceptional too, was the exquisite cinematography throughout – from the beautiful countryside, to the fashions of the time – each and every moment of this film is filled with breathtakingly beautiful scenes, even as the atrocities of World War I are unfolding right before your very eyes. THE PROMISE is absolutely one beautifully crafted, and historically significant film, which I suggest each and every person over the age of 13 should experience.

Kathy Kaiser