Promised

Promised from 2019 is a touching drama film that navigates the complexities of prearranged marriages, family expectations, cultural tradition, and romantic love. The film features world-renowned Australian singer Tina Arena along with accomplished actor Paul Mercurio, and a promising new talent Antoniette Iesue in the lead roles.

The film is set in Melbourne, Australia and spans over three decades from the 1950s through the 1970s. It opens with two Italian families, the Angellis and the Rossis, cementing a promise that their newborn children, Angela and Robert would marry when they reach the appropriate age, honouring a respected Italian tradition. Angela is portrayed by the international star Tina Arena, Robert is played by Daniel Berini, and Antonietti Iesue takes the role of another critical character, Rosalba.

Promised delves headfirst into the emotional and societal dilemmas that these characters face as they grow up saddled with expectations. The main plot evolves around Angela and Robert, as they navigate their lives adhering to a promise they never made. Robert, growing up in the swinging 60s and 70s, becomes drawn by the period's enticing liberation, while Angela, on the other hand, accepts the tradition and destiny chosen for her by their families.

But blow after a blow, Angela reveals herself to be a woman of strength and resilience, with Arena brilliantly expressing the contradictions Angela experiences through an excellent performance. Arena's portrayal of Angela is filled with raw emotional depth, from her tender love for her family to the internal conflict of balancing tradition against her own desires.

On the other side, Paul Mercurio plays Sal, Angela's respectable and sometimes toilsome father. His echo from the dance film 'Strictly Ballroom' resonates in Promised as Sal maintains the rigidity of tradition, becoming a significant obstacle to the evolution of his daughter's life. Daniel Berini, as Robert, delivers an impressive act of a man torn between love and duty. His struggle with his pre-destined life and fighting his inner demons gives a passionately compelling narrative to the film.

In the midst of Angela and Robert's journey, the character of Rosalba, played by Antoniette Iesue, comes into picture. She is a young, modern Italian woman who symbolizes the progression of the new generation and clashes with traditional values. Her character offers a unique contrast to Angela's conforming nature, often challenging societal expectations in bold and refreshing ways, pushing Angela to her limits.

Promised is directed by Nick Conidi, who calls on his family’s experiences as Italian immigrants to Australia in the aftermath of WWII to bring this sentimental story to life. His direction brings about a rich tapestry of various emotions, interwoven with insight into Italian cultural norms, making it interesting and engrossing.

What makes Promised stand out is its meticulous detailing of the time period and the atmosphere. The era is vibrantly captured in the costumes, the set designs, and the selection of music tracks from that period. The film is artfully shot, with the cinematography painting a lush image of 70s Australia while never losing sight of its characters' struggles.

Despite its heavy themes, the film is interspersed with doses of humour, used effectively to balance the narrative. It feels both authentic and personal, weaving a tale of love, tradition, and transformation amidst cultural subtleties.

Promised is a heartfelt narration that will pull at your heartstrings, as it effortlessly blends a tale of love, expectations, rebellion and societal customs. It compels viewers to question the line between duty and personal happiness, and makes you reflect on the many intricate layers of the human heart.