Read User Reviews and Submit your own for The Promise (2017)

5

Compi24Apr 30, 2017

Co-writer and director Terry George revisits some of "Hotel Rwanda's" subject matter with "The Promise," a well-intentioned film that unwittingly ventures into "Pearl Harbor" territory with its inclination to cast an effective love triangleCo-writer and director Terry George revisits some of "Hotel Rwanda's" subject matter with "The Promise," a well-intentioned film that unwittingly ventures into "Pearl Harbor" territory with its inclination to cast an effective love triangle against one of history's most haunting atrocities. And when said love triangle doesn't even really grab the audience all that much, it certainly doesn't help the film's case. Yes, this is still a competently acted and shot picture with a fair amount of brilliance to be had in the form of a few memorable scenes and sequences here and there. Sadly, though, the rest of the film's substance seems to be concerned with setting up a "too-little-too-late" climax and -- again -- this tawdry love triangle that simply doesn't move the needle in any direction. Not a total waste of time, but the creators at hand could have definitely benefited from giving the drawing board a second look with this one.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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7

SpangleOct 27, 2017

A return to genocide films for director Terry George, The Promise is a film made to build awareness about the Armenian genocide, the horror of the time, and the Turks' refusal to acknowledge the atrocities they committed. After it bombedA return to genocide films for director Terry George, The Promise is a film made to build awareness about the Armenian genocide, the horror of the time, and the Turks' refusal to acknowledge the atrocities they committed. After it bombed financially, the studio even came out and said it was intended to raise awareness, not make money. Considering they did not fund it and it was instead funded by Kirk Kerkorian, an Armenian-American businessman and philanthropist who dedicated funding for a film about the Armenian genocide in his will, it is rather easy for them to say. Fortunately, The Promise is a film with greatly noble intentions, a powerful story, and solid execution. Featuring a love triangle between Armenian Mikael (Oscar Isaac), Armenian Ana (Charlotte Le Bon), and American journalist Chris (Christian Bale), set against the horrific events of the Armenian genocide, The Promise is a film that may be flawed but is just good enough to overcome those flaws and deliver a strong final product.

Where the film is flawed is in its inclusion of this love triangle, which only serves to slow down the film far too much and forces it to be longer than needed to account for the development of the relationships. The love triangle is not quite dull, but it hardly really captures your attention too much and could hardly be described as particularly gripping. The real interest is in the genocide going on, but whenever the love triangle comes up, it feels too much like that episode of Seinfeld where Jerry makes out with his girlfriend as they watch Schindler's List. Scenes of Mikael and Ana being attacked by Turks outside are swiftly followed up by them going inside and having sex, which made me really identify with Jerry's mother and want to screw out, "You're having sex during The Promise?!" Fortunately, what the love triangle does not get wrong is that it does not distract from the genocide at all. It never feels offensive, forced, or thrown in at the last second. As with many war films before it, this just happens to be the entry point The Promise chose to explore the Armenian genocide and through that lens, it accomplished what it set out to reach. Unfortunately, it was never strictly necessary and could have been accomplished otherwise.

Now, where the film soars is in the power of the story it presents. Capturing the fight, spirit, and pride of the Armenians, the film ends triumphantly with a speech by Mikael and on-screen text that sums up that fight we had just watched. Brave and willing to fight the Turks head on to avoid being captured, The Promise shows the sacrifice, the loss, and absolute stubbornness of the Armenians when it comes to their being wiped out. These are a proud people, which the film celebrates throughout and demonstrates the lengths they were willing to go to in order to save their families, their homes, and their livelihoods in spite of all of the pressure put on them by the Turkish government. As a by-product, it is impossible not to get swept up by this fighting spirit and truly feel every blow and bullet alongside the Armenians. It is obviously not surprise that we root for them in the film, but the degree to which The Promise manages to make an impact is impressive and is largely due to how well it shows the culture of the Armenians and celebrates what makes them who they are as a people.

Beyond the action and the fight, however, The Promise earns points for never shying away from the gruesome nature of the genocide. We see Armenians be rounded up, led away, and put on trains where they reach out to beg for help. We see a woman shot right in front of her child. We see Mikael and Chris find the bodies of an entire town, including some of Mikael's family. We see Chris go to a village where two men were strung up and had signs attached to them. We see the callousness of the Turks towards the Armenians as they call them "thieves" or as a father sends his son to the military because he was friends with Mikael and brought dishonor to the family for the actions he took to help Mikael. This is not a film that skirts over details or forgets the horrors committed in the name of hatred and xenophobia. It is a film that brings them to the forefront, makes the audience see the hatred that led to the atrocities, and then shows the atrocities in their full detail. It is a film that may not be particularly graphic or gory, but it does need to be in order to showcase what happened in the Armenian genocide. Together with demonstrating the spirit of the Armenians in every character and in their courageous actions to save their people, these images of atrocities and the horror that led to them having to fight makes The Promise delivers on its powerful premise. This is not a film that has to be manipulative or cloying to create great emotional resonance, instead it is able to do it through the stirring depictions of loss and togetherness.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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6

badgerryan19Jul 16, 2017

Decent film. Another fantastic performance by Oscar Isaac. He always seems to get overlooked when the Oscars come around. He is one of the best actors working today. Onto the movie. I felt the movie was enjoyable and a story that was need toDecent film. Another fantastic performance by Oscar Isaac. He always seems to get overlooked when the Oscars come around. He is one of the best actors working today. Onto the movie. I felt the movie was enjoyable and a story that was need to be told on the big screen. I didn't mind the love story, but I felt like it focused more on that than the terrible genocide that happened. All in all I feel like most of the negative scores are just because of the subject its on.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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8

NonieJun 29, 2017

I thought The Promise was very well done. The love story was touching and most likely not part of reality but added to interest viewers who may not be looking for a historical piece. I believe this is one of very few films that shed light onI thought The Promise was very well done. The love story was touching and most likely not part of reality but added to interest viewers who may not be looking for a historical piece. I believe this is one of very few films that shed light on this horrible time in the Armenian genocide of 1914. I was hoping for more historical facts to educate viewers as well as entertain. The cast was terrific and gave the characters credibility.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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7

CoKronakanFeb 2, 2018

This is a decent movie, with an amazing untold story of the Armenians. Great acting performances from the actors, although the screen writing was cheesy and clische some of the times the actors still delivered. Beautiful landscapes and greatThis is a decent movie, with an amazing untold story of the Armenians. Great acting performances from the actors, although the screen writing was cheesy and clische some of the times the actors still delivered. Beautiful landscapes and great looking visual effects.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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7

annbdJun 28, 2018

Despite the acting, selection of actors and also unnecessary love tragedy, The Promise is successful film about the most beautiful nation with the most kind and principled people in the world - Armenians .

Until today, Turkey (then OttomanDespite the acting, selection of actors and also unnecessary love tragedy, The Promise is successful film about the most beautiful nation with the most kind and principled people in the world - Armenians .

Until today, Turkey (then Ottoman Empire) does not admit its mistake and invent its history in relation not only to the Armenians, but to other countries as well.

As a Bulgarian, I'm sympathetic to a well-deserved hatred for Turkey and their insistent amendment to the world history. So let there be more such films in the name of the truth.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

KaptenVideoMay 17, 2017

What madness is this? I just arrived from cinema and although the summer season has begun they showed me a movie which is not:
• some random French or Russian comedy, • a sequel, • a prequel or at least origin story
• an animation, • based onWhat madness is this? I just arrived from cinema and although the summer season has begun they showed me a movie which is not:
• some random French or Russian comedy, • a sequel, • a prequel or at least origin story
• an animation, • based on YA novel or comic book… • based on a novel or non-fiction book or some older movie
• there's not even any superheroes or mutants in it, ferchrissake!
Set during the last days of the Ottoman Empire and their attempt to wipe out as many Armenian people as they can, at its heart there is a love story – two guys (Oscar Isaac, Christian Bale) want the same girl (Charlotte Le Bon).
The Turkish government would never allow a movie like this to be filmed on their home territory – it’s said that the Turks have never acknowledged the genocide or their role in it. So it was all filmed in Spain, Malta, Portugal and USA.
It has a big budget of 90 million USD and that money is well spent. The movie as a whole looks old-fashioned in a good way: majestic and poetic, also a bit nostalgic for the past „simpler times“.
The story is also old-fashioned in a good way, which is to say the approach is populist – clearly black and white, we always know who the good and the bad guys are and nobody’s choices are never questioned in broader context.
But this kind of approach is not a problem when we have three leading thespians so able as Isaac, Bale and Le Bon. They put every nuance of the material to efficient use.
"The Promise" is clearly an actors’ movie and that’s how it can be appreciated even if you personally do not care about that part of history. Some of the scenes with strongest dramatical impact are done even shortly and without any words, just a quick look, pause, and they move on.
„The Project“ never dwells long on anything happening on screen, there’s so much story to give and absorb in the 132 minutes it has. And yet thanks to competent direction and superb actors, it never feels rushed, there’s always enough room for important things and people in the context of the story.
I especially like the action scenes which are actually pretty small in scope, compared to most war dramas produced today, but it never feel that way. The suspense and danger surrounding the main characters is always real.
I am not trying to step on anyone’s feelings and underplay the seriousness of the genocide, but it can be said that the century-old suffering of Armenians is not the most well-known of historical tragedies, especially to the general English-speaking audience the movie is produced for. So having a big budget that enormous seems kind of risky.
Luckily for the people involved, the project was fully financed by billionaire Kirk Kerkorian of Armenian extraction whose family had lived through the events depicted in the movie, and all the proceeds will go to nonprofits (ie, charity).
A fun IMDB fact to end with. „The Promise“ premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last September, but before the audience even left the theater, reviewers suspected to be Turkish government-sponsored trolls had submitted ca 4,000 negative ratings. That number quickly multiplied before the movie was released.
Maybe that’s why the IMDb score is pretty low, 5.9/10.
All in all, it’s a competent and confident movie from all involved. Even the main man behind the screen, the cowriter and director Terry George is not randomly chosen. His earlier magnum opus is acclaimed and Oscar-nominated „Hotel Rwanda“ (2004) about mass murder of Tutsi people in 1990’s Africa. So it’s like his second shot at the epic making glory in Hollywood.
Here’s hope the movie doesn’t disappear unnoticed… although not having superheroes or even mutants is clearly a misstep!… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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10

mylowApr 23, 2017

Must see movie! Learn the history of our world and recognize the truth. I haven't seen a movie like this for a while. See this movie and don't let this story repeat itself.

7 of 10 users found this helpful73

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10

edomashangApr 22, 2017

it is a very well done movie.In fact it is based on facts and true stories. The actors did very professional job. very meaning full movie you have to watch and listen to the dialog very carefully. by the way they got the right flag forit is a very well done movie.In fact it is based on facts and true stories. The actors did very professional job. very meaning full movie you have to watch and listen to the dialog very carefully. by the way they got the right flag for ottoman Empire.… Expand

9 of 13 users found this helpful94

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10

greg64kApr 23, 2017

Brilliant! Thank you Terry George and to all the people who made this movie! Great actors, beautiful story, sad but story of love and survival! Loved it!

8 of 12 users found this helpful84

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10

DikooshApr 23, 2017

I actually enjoyed the love triangle because it gives the Armenian Genocide a human element. Ignore the ghost reviews by stooges of the Turkish government. This was an amazing movie experience and beautifully prepared by the $100 million KirkI actually enjoyed the love triangle because it gives the Armenian Genocide a human element. Ignore the ghost reviews by stooges of the Turkish government. This was an amazing movie experience and beautifully prepared by the $100 million Kirk Kerkorian spent on it. I wish we would spend that on a church or a living monument but this work of art will last decades so it was worth doing. God bless the actors and crew that worked on this. You can tell they put their heart and soul into it. Watch and marvel how Turks stole Armenian businesses, lands, and everything else. The truth is Turkey does not belong to them. It belongs to Armenians, Greeks, and Kurds. If you see this movie you will agree… Expand

11 of 17 users found this helpful116

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10

roxy66Apr 22, 2017

It was a beautiful movie.. the acting was superb. The story of a love triangle with backdrops of the true historical events of the 1915 Armenian massacre by the turks. This hit home to me because most of the towns and names were so familiarIt was a beautiful movie.. the acting was superb. The story of a love triangle with backdrops of the true historical events of the 1915 Armenian massacre by the turks. This hit home to me because most of the towns and names were so familiar to me hearing the accounts from my parents. My grandparents were brutally murdered by them and my father was sent to an orphanage. Very moving and powerful movie!!!!!!… Expand

9 of 14 users found this helpful95

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10

artemis520Apr 23, 2017

Interesting from the beginning. Excellent movie with excellent actors. This movie brings to light and often ignored time in history, which is great. The only people that have rated this movie poorly our genocide deniers who wish to seeInteresting from the beginning. Excellent movie with excellent actors. This movie brings to light and often ignored time in history, which is great. The only people that have rated this movie poorly our genocide deniers who wish to see atrocities like these repeat themselves comma because unfortunately it is part of their religion and upbringing to believe in hurting others.… Expand

5 of 8 users found this helpful53

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10

extremextApr 22, 2017

A historical movie which is based upon facts revealing atrocities committed by ottomans during 1890-1915. The love triangle is entertaining but i would prefer if they had remained focus on the story and events.

8 of 13 users found this helpful85

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10

harryxApr 22, 2017

Epic period movie in the style of Lawrence of Arabia or Dr. Zhivago that covers the true events of the genocide of Armenians by Ottoman Turkey at the beginning of the 20th century... There is a love triangle in the midst of this but ChristianEpic period movie in the style of Lawrence of Arabia or Dr. Zhivago that covers the true events of the genocide of Armenians by Ottoman Turkey at the beginning of the 20th century... There is a love triangle in the midst of this but Christian Bale shines as the AP reporter trying to cover the crimes as they are happening...… Expand

8 of 13 users found this helpful85

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10

BeStillAndKnowApr 22, 2017

The critics are unfortunately following someone else's directions who has political ties, and they have no place in the creative arts. The quality of the movie is what's being reviewed here and not history.

8 of 13 users found this helpful85

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10

AMarkApr 21, 2017

An all around Oscar-worthy performance!! The genocide of the Armenian people left around 75% of its population dead, with countless Armenian children and women forcibly converted to Islam and married into Turkish families against their will.An all around Oscar-worthy performance!! The genocide of the Armenian people left around 75% of its population dead, with countless Armenian children and women forcibly converted to Islam and married into Turkish families against their will. Armenians were gassed to death, burned alive, drowned in the Black Sea and crucified on crosses to mimic the death of Jesus. It was a horrific event that is still denied by Turkish society to this day. Of course, these genocidal events were not just aimed at the Armenians, but all other indigenous Christians of Anatolia/Asia Minor such as the Assyrians and Pontic Greeks. Many Yazidis were also subject to this genocide (or what the Turks called 'Holy War').… Expand

9 of 15 users found this helpful96

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5

imthenoobMay 3, 2017

I respect that a film has finally been made about this genocide that Turkey still denies despite all the proof. The movie itself though is quite flippy floppy. The makers clearly couldn't decide if it was a love story or a war film. TheI respect that a film has finally been made about this genocide that Turkey still denies despite all the proof. The movie itself though is quite flippy floppy. The makers clearly couldn't decide if it was a love story or a war film. The needless love triangle sub plot was laughably bad at times. Especially when Bale's character clearly did not care at all that his lover was sleeping/in love with Isaac's character. It just wasn't believable.

Same goes for the fact that Isaac's character got out of certain death many times by sheer luck while every other main character got the ax. The cliched ending where the leading woman dies saving a child. All of it is just generic story telling and painfully unrealistic imo. It just never seemed real and I think that's where it lost me.

While I fully appreciate the filmmakers behind it and the fact they are trying to educate the public about this genocide, It's still a deeply flawed film. Also kind of ironic how none of the leads are Armenian...… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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10

Eina2Apr 24, 2017

An amazing movie with great actors. I definetly would recommend everyone to go watch it. The story is told through the view of few individuals but at the same time shows the history of the Armenian Genocide.

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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10

RitaBApr 22, 2017

A beautiful love story, Christian Bale and Oscar Isaac are fantastic. It's a heart touching movie that's involves love, friendship and War. No gorery details, no bloodshed no sex no nudity no vulgarity, a truely honest beautiful story. IA beautiful love story, Christian Bale and Oscar Isaac are fantastic. It's a heart touching movie that's involves love, friendship and War. No gorery details, no bloodshed no sex no nudity no vulgarity, a truely honest beautiful story. I would recommend people to see this.… Expand

6 of 11 users found this helpful65

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10

B22Apr 21, 2017

Loved this epic movie, full of history, love and war. The stellar cast were fantastic, Christian Bale, Oscar Issac & Charlotte LeBon gave fabulous performances. Terry George did a wonderful job, the cinematography was beautiful. EveryoneLoved this epic movie, full of history, love and war. The stellar cast were fantastic, Christian Bale, Oscar Issac & Charlotte LeBon gave fabulous performances. Terry George did a wonderful job, the cinematography was beautiful. Everyone should go see this movie even for just a history lesson.… Expand

8 of 15 users found this helpful87

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10

cfields103Apr 21, 2017

Any shortcomings "The Promise" has are overshadowed by its importance as a film. The Turkish government still refuses to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide's occurrence. The majority of negative reviews given on review sites are from ArmenianAny shortcomings "The Promise" has are overshadowed by its importance as a film. The Turkish government still refuses to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide's occurrence. The majority of negative reviews given on review sites are from Armenian Genocide deniers. I learned a lot about the Armenian Genocide from this movie. In addition to this, the scenery is beautiful and Oscar Isaac gives a gives a great performance as Michael.… Expand

7 of 14 users found this helpful77

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10

emmadaryanApr 22, 2017

I must see movie! Very well acted and very moving. I am a grandchild of genocide survivors. So many horror stories were told by my grandma who witnessed this horrific event. It is the sad truth that the world needs to acknowledge.

6 of 12 users found this helpful66

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10

DoxdivaApr 22, 2017

Don't miss this movie! Excellent truth based story, fantastic actors and riveting! It didn't get true reviews, so I checked and the highest was 75. (Funny that the viewers gave it 100). Four of us went and we all thought it was fantastic!

5 of 10 users found this helpful55

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10

MatureApr 27, 2017

A must see movie! Very educational! It is well known by genocide scholars that in 1939 Adolf Hitler urged his generals to exterminate members of the Polish race. "Who speaks today of the extermination of the Armenians?" Hitler asked, just aA must see movie! Very educational! It is well known by genocide scholars that in 1939 Adolf Hitler urged his generals to exterminate members of the Polish race. "Who speaks today of the extermination of the Armenians?" Hitler asked, just a week before the September 1, 1939 invasion of Poland. Recognizing the 1st Genocide of the 20th century, "The Promise" movie seeks Justice for the human race!… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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9

Annie89Apr 24, 2017

such a great movie, and very factual about my ancestors and what was done to them. I wish it was depicted as a focal point instead of a backdrop of a love story but it is a great start. Shame on turkey and all deniers!

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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10

NazookApr 28, 2017

Watched the movie this evening with the family & simply loved it. Very well balanced with action, romance and history. I plan to watch it again with my work buddies next week as well!!

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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10

zorK90Apr 21, 2017

Beautiful film that tackles a topic that unfortunately has not been brought up to light enough even after 102 years. I really like the way the capture the horror and pain but yet keep the cinematography and imagery on a level that is notBeautiful film that tackles a topic that unfortunately has not been brought up to light enough even after 102 years. I really like the way the capture the horror and pain but yet keep the cinematography and imagery on a level that is not gruesome or overly graphic, which makes the film suitable for educational purposes. So I hope this will be seen by many people, especially younger audiences to learn more of this forgotten and dusty era of WW1.

Great cast with great performances, I can totally see Oscar Isaac getting an Oscar nomination for this, maybe even win one. Amazing actor and I think Oscar deserves Oscar. (cheesy I know).

All in all, definitely worth a watch, it's absolutely crazy that these events actually happened and has been ignored far too long. The consequences of that apathy from the rest of the world is very clear when we look at modern day Turkey and what is going on right now in Syria/Iraq/Turkey.… Expand

6 of 13 users found this helpful67

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10

Desie01Apr 23, 2017

Mostly factual movie about the horror that Turkey perpetrated against humanity during WWI. (Just do you research... Google is your friend.) It brings in to light the terrible garbage that Turkey has gotten away with over the last century.Mostly factual movie about the horror that Turkey perpetrated against humanity during WWI. (Just do you research... Google is your friend.) It brings in to light the terrible garbage that Turkey has gotten away with over the last century. They murdered and raped over 1.5 million people through even their own government documents. This is a movie that needs to be seen. Turkey has never had to pay for their crimes and should.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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10

TickApr 24, 2017

The movie was Really good. It takes a small story of the Armenian Genocide, and does a very good job. There were points in the movie which could have been better, but that's the case with every movie and individual taste.

The DisgustingThe movie was Really good. It takes a small story of the Armenian Genocide, and does a very good job. There were points in the movie which could have been better, but that's the case with every movie and individual taste.

The Disgusting Turkish Government has trolled negative reviews about this movie, because the country is a backward failed democracy. The appalling act of trying to torpedo the movie by the primitive Turkish Government, just goes to show the world that A country like Syria and Turkey are pretty much the same now-a-days.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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10

FBurcawMay 4, 2017

Growing up as a kid in the 40's, I was always admonished to "Remember The Starving Armenians". I never really understood who they were or what they went through. Having now seen this movie at age 76, I now have an idea what they wentGrowing up as a kid in the 40's, I was always admonished to "Remember The Starving Armenians". I never really understood who they were or what they went through. Having now seen this movie at age 76, I now have an idea what they went through. The movie is very well made and the acting terrific. Thoroughly absorbing movie that goes by very quickly. See it even if you have no idea or interest in who the Armenians were and are. It will captivate you.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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10

sacconikApr 24, 2017

The love triangle does take away from the story line which should have focused more on the events and the brutality of the first Genocide of the 20th century. With that said, most critics seem super harsh. It makes one wonder if the TurkishThe love triangle does take away from the story line which should have focused more on the events and the brutality of the first Genocide of the 20th century. With that said, most critics seem super harsh. It makes one wonder if the Turkish denial cash machine has reached the pockets of Hollywood reporters and critics. There is no way that this movie deserves anything less than a movie about cars. Also, it seems like the critics have to dumb themselves down to appeal to the fast and the fruitless masses. It's a total shame that this movie ranks lower than a movie about cars. All the critics and most movie goers should be ashamed of themselves. Tragedy. Definitely worth watching.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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10

miccaelApr 29, 2017

It is a miracle that this movie even exists...that the voice of small nation of Armenians is heard and the horrifying truth is not silenced by ottoman dictators that rule today. This movie is not for reviews. yes...I said it, reviews DON'TIt is a miracle that this movie even exists...that the voice of small nation of Armenians is heard and the horrifying truth is not silenced by ottoman dictators that rule today. This movie is not for reviews. yes...I said it, reviews DON'T matter at all, what matters is that people discuss and have a chance to see in theatres how atrocious was ottoman empire, covering their killings, murder and genocide under the rug of WW1.
Denial of Armenian genocide is nothing but a POLITICAL statement of defense and ass-kissing of Turkish government. There is more than enough evidence, stories of Armenian people and their grandparents and there is LOGIC behind it, you can't deny that a muslim country like Turkey would not do such atrocious things to an CHRISTIAN neighbour. Look at the history of Turkey...a made up country from pieces of broken empires. They never got along with any nations...Greeks, Assyrians, Kurds, Jewish and Armenians... They are OK Georgians because Georgians are a "middle man" and a transit country between them and Russia, a safe-zone.
Armenians? Hm...There is something unique about Armenians...they are in a way ..with unification with Azerbaijan...i.e. another made up country (don't believe look up old maps, there is no such country on any ancient map). The movie is not perfect but delivers the promise of letting people know about Armenian Genocide. As long as there are Armenians alive, we would not let our history forgotten. We stand by truth and justice and trust me, nobody "really" wants to side with Turkey, nobody really wants to side with killers and horrible governments. But sadly....most will....they are afraid to lose those precious ties with Turkey and NATO...isn't it USA? England? Afraid to be like France? Like Russia? So much politics.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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10

shaghig90May 2, 2017

highly recommended! its a tragic story but sadly reality! It shows our (Armenians) tragic genocide by turkish barbars. “I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have allhighly recommended! its a tragic story but sadly reality! It shows our (Armenians) tragic genocide by turkish barbars. “I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” William Saroyan.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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10

albarianApr 23, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Excellent movie, a must see, A historic movie revealing realities of the past openly.
I wonder sometimes, why these criminals who commit genocide are kept unnoticed.
Why cannt they accept what happened in the past century , so it will never happen again.
This movie is a must see...… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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0

gorenhApr 29, 2017

Another phony movie filled with inaccurate and one sided history. Obviously aimed for propoganda. Love story is third class, drama is achieved by pure agitation. And ofcourse there has to be an American hero to make it to the box office andAnother phony movie filled with inaccurate and one sided history. Obviously aimed for propoganda. Love story is third class, drama is achieved by pure agitation. And ofcourse there has to be an American hero to make it to the box office and before American auidience...… Expand

4 of 11 users found this helpful47

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10

StepancriticApr 28, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A true story that people inhumanly reject, thus encouraging genocide throughout the world. Themselves about it without suspecting. There are many examples in the history of the examples, such as the Holocaust, the genocide in Rwanda, and even now in our time the genocide continues in different parts of the world.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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0

icetrindagApr 22, 2017

Poorly done without any research of facts. It does not reflect the reality of 1914. Even the Ottoman flags are wrong flags. They placed Republic of Turkey flags which did not exist before 1923. Exaggerated and misleading.

6 of 20 users found this helpful614

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0

GlendaleDriverApr 22, 2017

A solid 5/10 movies that is brought down in rating by the fact it's based off of circumstantial evidence. I do feel badly for those who lost their lives during that time period, but there was no genocide and if you want a completely unbiasedA solid 5/10 movies that is brought down in rating by the fact it's based off of circumstantial evidence. I do feel badly for those who lost their lives during that time period, but there was no genocide and if you want a completely unbiased review, just see how all the other sites and critics here are rating it. People here are clearly rating perfect 10s for a flawed movie simply out of political perspective, so here is a 0 to give this movie an appropriate score.… Expand

4 of 23 users found this helpful419

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8

DogeGamer2015Jul 26, 2020

Una película bastante buena, tiene drama, suspenso y acción, muy entretenida.

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10

RefinedInsightsJul 29, 2023

"The Promise" is not just a film; it is a cinematic cry for justice, a poignant masterpiece that delves deep into the crevices of world history, shedding light on the grim reality of humanity's darker side. It is a triumphant and yet tragic"The Promise" is not just a film; it is a cinematic cry for justice, a poignant masterpiece that delves deep into the crevices of world history, shedding light on the grim reality of humanity's darker side. It is a triumphant and yet tragic portrayal of the human spirit enduring against overwhelming adversities.
The plot unfolds amidst the backdrop of the Armenian Genocide, a chapter in history often forgotten or deliberately overlooked. The film strikes at the heart of an inconvenient truth - governments, at times, choose to turn a blind eye towards mass atrocities when it suits their interests, a fact disturbingly prevalent even in today's geopolitical scene. "The Promise" endeavors to challenge this notion, asking viewers to never forget and always strive for the truth.
As Theodore Roosevelt once said about the Armenian Genocide, "the failure to act against Turkey is to condone it... the failure to deal radically with the Turkish horror means that all talk of guaranteeing the future peace of the world is mischievous nonsense." "The Promise" brings this quote to life, posing a vivid and painful exploration of what happens when countries fail to act in the face of cruelty. It urges us to remember that mercy to the guilty often means cruelty to the innocent.
Oscar Isaac delivers a performance of a lifetime, brilliantly portraying the intricate nuances of his character, Mikael Boghosian, a man caught in the whirlwind of human chaos and violence. His emotive performance is nuanced and richly textured, creating an intricate tapestry of a man attempting to hold on to his humanity amidst unimaginable horror. Isaac's ability to capture the depth of his character's pain, hope, and determination is nothing short of Oscar-worthy.
"The Promise" is undoubtedly a difficult watch, a potent reminder of an overlooked tragedy, but therein lies its greatness. Its unflinching portrayal of human cruelty and endurance is simultaneously heartbreaking and inspiring. Director Terry George's keen eye for historical detail and character development elevates the film beyond just being a history lesson. It becomes a window into the past, providing us with the much-needed perspective on the human condition during times of war and conflict.
The film's cinematography is impressive, capturing the stark contrasts of life before and during the genocide. It is this juxtaposition - the vibrant, lively towns turned into silent graveyards, the people full of life and promise now facing unspeakable horrors - that makes the film a visually stunning piece of work.
However, "The Promise" is not all about despair. It's also a story of resilience, love, and the indomitable spirit of humanity that refuses to be defeated. It reminds us that in the midst of the most horrific circumstances, the human spirit can still strive for hope, love, and ultimately, survival.
In summary, "The Promise" is an essential watch - a testament to the past, a reminder for the present, and a warning for the future. It drives home the message that in the face of atrocity, silence is complicity, and forgetting history often means repeating it. Isaac's performance is a triumph, an essential piece in this cinematic puzzle that brings to life a historical moment that should never be forgotten. This film is not just a promise to remember but a plea to act and prevent history from repeating itself.… Expand

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7

mohamad91hkJun 9, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Love triangle in a wartime, specifically during Armenian genocide by Turkish at the beginning of WWI. I am Muslim and I reject all types of racism, this genocide is a big shame in the history of Turkey, honestly, I didn't know a lot about this massacre, but after I watched '' The Promise'' I browsed the internet to read more about it, that's why I like biography movies because they bring attention to forgotten stories despite ''The Promise'' not classified as a biography movie but what is showing about Armenian genocide it is true.

I like the movie, but have a comment about the love story, I think if Terry George made one love story instead of this complicated love triangle, it will be more emotional, it just made me confused which couple I must sympathize with them where all of them were good people !!! So I didn't connect a lot with them except the genocide that actually hurt me.… Expand

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10

MexicoCityPostOct 31, 2020

The storyline was amazing. The act of Christian Bale was what got me the most. Watched it in theatre, totally recommend.

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10

me_m0r1Jan 30, 2023

An excellent historical film about the Armenian genocide. It shows all the atrocities committed by the Turks during the Ottoman Empire. There are people and even countries that do not recognize the Armenian genocide, I want to ask them, ifAn excellent historical film about the Armenian genocide. It shows all the atrocities committed by the Turks during the Ottoman Empire. There are people and even countries that do not recognize the Armenian genocide, I want to ask them, if more than 30 have recognized the genocide at the legislative level, then why are there people who deny it? You don't deny the Holocaust, do you? Many documents, open archives, witnesses say that there was a genocide, and one cannot argue with that. It's up to everyone to admit it or not, but know those that it's on your conscience… Expand

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