The Promise

The Promise, a 2016 film directed by Terry George, stars Oscar Isaac alongside Charlotte Le Bon and Christian Bale. As a sweeping historical drama, The Promise tackles the underrepresented topic of the Armenian Genocide by the Ottoman Empire during World War I. The film's depiction of this harrowing period is woven into an emotional narrative that centralizes around a love triangle involving the three main characters.

Oscar Isaac delivers a captivating performance as Mikael Boghosian, a humble Armenian apothecary with ambitions to become a doctor. Driven by the sole purpose of serving his small village in Southern Turkey better, Mikael makes an emotional deal to get betrothed to a local girl for her dowry, which will fund his medical studies in Constantinople (Istanbul). In Constantinople, Mikael enjoys modern city life while embarking on his journey to becoming a doctor at the Imperial Medical School under his wealthy uncle's guidance.

The film takes an interesting turn when Mikael meets Ana Khesarian, a beautiful and sophisticated Armenian woman, played by Charlotte Le Bon. Ana, educated in Paris, has returned to her homeland with Chris Myers, an American journalist portrayed by the ever talented Christian Bale. The pair, carrying their share of personal complexities and emotional baggage, are in a turbulent relationship. Ana and Mikael soon form a bond over their shared Armenian heritage, which deepens as the film progresses. However, this connection is complicated by their preexisting attachments and the volatile social setting.

As World War I rages, the Turkish government's policies towards the minority Armenians shift progressively towards hostility and violence. Chris Myers - played brilliantly by Bale - plays an important role in this narrative as he embodies the observations of the non-Armenian world during this time of silent atrocity. His role as an American journalist committed to unveiling the truth brings a different perspective to this overwhelmingly forgotten Turkish-Armenian history. The film conveys these shifts in nuances and situations, which test the characters' loyalties, endurance, and moral values.

The director Terry George illuminates a sophisticated take on horrendous war events, particularly during the dreadful Armenian Genocide. The Promise balances both personal and political drama, providing audiences with an impression of a brutal historical period through the lens of intimate human experiences. It's a poignant exploration of love, survival, resilience, and sacrifice amidst civilization's unspoken horrors.

The filmmakers' decision to incorporate a love story in the plot opens up an avenue for the audience to invest emotionally, making the historical tragedy feel more personal. Through their characters' interactions, they thoughtfully exhibit the richness of Armenian culture, heritage, and their aspirations of progress being thwarted by the ominous clouds of war, prejudice, and tyranny.

The performances from the cast are uniformly strong and deliver well-measured emotional weight when needed. While Oscar Isaac makes Mikael's struggle credible and compelling, Charlotte Le Bon embodies Ana's strength and sensitivity beautifully. Christian Bale's role as the hard-drinking, truth-telling, risk-taking journalist is laudably executed, bringing a sense of urgency and reality to the story.

Furthermore, the attention to detail in the film's production design needs special mention, as it excellently recreates early 20th-century Turkey, from the bustling capital to the rural provinces. The cinematography is suitably grand, reflecting both the beauty of the Turkish landscapes and the stark and brutal reality of war.

By employing intricate plot elements and well-crafted characters, The Promise still manages to put forth a heartbreaking depiction of a catastrophic historical event that carries significant relevance today. The film's promise is indeed to ensure that the stories of the past are not forgotten and continue to be told to ensure they do not repeat themselves in the future.

While The Promise was met with mixed reviews by critics, it was undisputedly recognized for its commendable effort to bring light to a significantly overlooked chapter of history. Engaging, enlightening, and emotionally rousing, The Promise is an important film that addresses a historical tragedy through personal stories, making it a must-watch for those appreciative of historical dramas.