La Gran Promesa

La Gran Promesa, or The Big Promise, is a thought-provoking drama movie from 2017 directed by Jorge Ramírez Suárez, known for his work in successful films like Rabbit on the Moon and Guten Tag, Ramón. The film features talented and accomplished actors like Juan Manuel Bernal, Ilithya Manzanilla, and Sam Trammell, who give powerful performances, bringing the complex characters of the story to life. La Gran Promesa showcases a unique blend of emotional depth, dramatic suspense, heart-wrenching tragedies, and a glimmer of hope.

At the heart of the story is Sergio (played by Juan Manuel Bernal), a war photojournalist compelled to make a life-altering decision amidst the ruinous storm of the Yugoslavian war: to save his own life and protect that of his childhood best friend Dolores (played by Sachi Tamashiro), or to fulfill an oath he made to safeguard the daughter of Dolores. This intense conflict encapsulates the overarching "Big Promise" referred to in the title, and forms the driving force of Sergio's story.

Juan Manuel Bernal, renowned for his roles in Obediencia Perfecta and El Hotel de los Secretos, delivers a phenomenal performance as Sergio, showcasing his remarkable ability to portray a broad spectrum of emotions. Equally compelling is Ilithya Manzanilla, known for roles in A que no me dejas and Cloroformo, who plays Martina, the daughter of Dolores and a woman trapped by the weight of the past, longing for answers that Sergio is unable or unwilling to provide.

The narrative of La Gran Promesa spins a complex web of time frames, skipping unapologetically between different stages of Sergio's life. It navigates the treacherous waters of war zones to the deserts of Texas, showcasing the impact of the vengeful past on the diverging destiny of the characters. This thematic plunge back and forth within the narrative manages to sketch out the suffering, sadness, determination, and redemption experienced by each character.

Sam Trammell, known for his performances in True Blood and The Fault in Our Stars, plays Peter, Sergio's close and trusted friend. His performance adds an extra layer of complexity to the story, reflecting the intricate realities surrounding the decisions and secret obsessions of the characters.

The dramatic sequences of La Gran Promesa are further enhanced by powerful screenplay, engaging dialogues, and beautiful camera work. Director Jorge Ramírez Suárez succeeds in painting a vivid picture of the plights of each character while encapsulating the harsh realities of war zones and human relations, in a world far removed from what many would consider 'normal.'

La Gran Promesa also succeeds in taking the viewers on deep emotional dives into the lives and minds of its characters. The storytelling keeps everyone on their toes with lingering suspense, bubbling conflicts, and revealing human vulnerabilities. The film also tackles essential questions about human life, love, childhood friendships, family, fatherhood, and divine elements that frame our lives. Its gripping portrayal of human complexities makes it quite the emotional rollercoaster.

Moreover, the film’s powerful score serves as a perfect backdrop to the events unfolding on screen, heightening the emotional intensity and gravity of each scene in an impactful way. There are moments of touching tranquillity and others of gut-wrenching desperation, all complemented by the music, cinematography, and set design that ties everything together.

La Gran Promesa has been nominated and awarded at various film festivals, including the prestigious Ariel Awards. It is a testament to the storytelling prowess of Jorge Ramírez Suárez and the acting skills of its main performers.

Overall, La Gran Promesa is an evocative cinematic piece, exposing viewers to an array of profound emotions while shedding light on the human condition in chaotic environments. The film is a must-watch for those who appreciate incredible performances, emotionally charged storytelling, and impactful filmmaking that manages to be both touching and poignant. It reminds us all of the promises we make, the lives we leave behind, and the determination required to rectify the mistakes of the past. It is a statement on the profound impact that promises, both kept and broken, can have, and the lengths to which one would go to uphold them.