The Promise (2016)

Directed by: Terry George

Written by: Terry George & Robin Swicord

Starring: Oscar Isaac, Charlotte Le Bon, & Christian Bale




The Promise stars Oscar Isaac as Mikael Boghosian, an Armenian who just wants to become a doctor.  In order to go to school, he promises himself to marry Maral (Angela Sarafyn).  He then travels to Constantinople where he meets Ana Khesarian (Le Bon), a tutor to his cousins.  Charmed by her, he forgets about Maral and becomes head over heels in love with Ana.  Unfortunately, Chris Myers (Bale), an American journalist also loves her and does all he can to protect her while still doing his job.  But things become complicated once the Turks join the fight to keep the Ottoman Empire alive during World War I.  Turks then began what is known today as the Armenian Genocide, which affects Mikael in more ways then one.

Before watching the film, all I knew about the Armenian Genocide was from an episode of the Kardashians.  After watching this film, I still know about the same.

The film, although takes place during the genocide, focuses more on Mikael and his journey to becoming a doctor.  Mostly, the story follows this love triangle with glimpses of how the war affected various people of different cultures, but not much else of how it started nor how it ended, which is unfortunate.

Besides the historical lack of facts, it bothered me, just a touch, that the actors portraying Armenians and Turks were, well not.  Isaac is Latino and Le Bon is Canadian (at least that goes along with the French aspect).  Of the three main characters, Bale is the only one that is actually American, just like his character.  Are there no good Armenian or Turkish actors out there?  Must we resort to Latinos and those that are in the Middle East but not Turkey nor Armenia?

There were a few editing cuts that seemed out of place and jolted me, essentially ruining the scene.  But other than that, not many technical errors, nor plot errors.  The storyline was cohesive and played well with the characters, even Bale, who at first seemed out of place in this smallish film.  I think they just needed a big star, but his acting didn't match the others in a sense that it seemed far superior.  Maybe it was just the lack of chemistry between Bale and the others.  I don't know.

Anyway, 4 popcorns.