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We review the historical drama.
The Promise is an historical drama, set during the last days of the Ottoman Empire in 1914, around the time of World War I. The Ottoman Turks killed 1.5 million Armenians and the events occurred unnoticed. It was later considered the first genocide of the 20th century. Astonishingly, the Turkish Government still don't acknowledge the genocide to this day, saying that the toll has been inflated, and that those killed were 'victims of war and civil unrest'.
To direct such a film, it seems only fitting that Terry George (writer of Hotel Rwanda - based on the Rwandan genocides in the late 90s) picks up the baton to tell such a tale. George has no problem highlighting the harrowing reality of genocide and once more brings the realities of war, destruction and unfathomable loss to the big screen.
The story begins in Constantinople, introducing us to the friendship and eventual love triangle between Mikael, (Oscar Isaac) a medical student; Ana, (Charlotte Le Bon) an artist and Armenian trying to trace her roots; and Chris Myers, (Christian Bale) a famous American journalist reporting on the conflict. You journey with them as their world morphs from their normal, everyday life, to the horrors of war.
Oscar Isaac's performance is fantastic. Isaac transports you directly to the struggles of his grief and the decisions you make when faced directly with an enemy who is trying to destroy everything you are. His performance is the pillar holding the film together.
Christian Bale more than steps up to the plate in this film, as he inhabits a character who is strong, fearless and runs straight towards danger. Bale was recently interviewed by the Associate Press about the film where he said, "To my shame, I knew nothing about the Armenian genocide. I really only hope that the film can help and not actually exacerbate any problems. But to me, it doesn't take a genius to see that there's an embarrassment to having to acknowledge the atrocities that occurred in the birthing of a nation. It happens to many nations."
The soundtrack reflects the musical culture in Armenia beautifully as well as being suitably emotive during heartbreaking scenes. Thanks to the use of CGI and creative cinematography, the country, villages and cities expose the highs and the lows of the country with memorable scenes particularly in the hustle and bustle of Constantinople's Grand Bazaar.
The Christian faith is mentioned by key characters, generally in moments of group prayer and when groups of believers come together. In one scene an Armenian villager asks a priest, "Will God save us?" - a question no doubt most would ask while living through such circumstances.
Ultimately The Promise is about refugees. It will challenge your perception, response and what your responsibility is towards them and any humanitarian crisis, and the proceeds from The Promise will be given to nonprofit human rights and humanitarian groups.
The Promise is rated 12A. Viewers should be aware that there are a number of violent scenes that show the devastation from mass killings, work camps, death marches and lynching. I would advise that teenagers watch this with a parent or guardian in order to discuss the themes that arise.
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