The Promise

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2:32

The Promise

PG-13

2017

2h 14m

History

Drama

Romance

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Popcornmeter

51%

Tomatometer

157 Reviews

91%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

Brilliant medical student Michael (Oscar Isaac) meets beautiful dance instructor Ana (Charlotte Le Bon) in late 1914. Their shared Armenian heritage sparks an attraction that explodes into a romantic rivalry between Michael and Ana's boyfriend (Christian Bale), an American photojournalist who's dedicated to exposing the truth. As the Ottoman Empire crumbles into war-torn chaos, their conflicting passions must be deferred as they join forces to get themselves and their people to safety.

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Critics Consensus

The Promise wastes an outstanding cast and powerful real-life story on a love triangle that frustratingly fails to engage.

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J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

Apr 17, 2020

Director Terry George brings to this story a special gift, honed in his Hotel Rwanda (2004), for choreographing the chaos of civil collapse, and the three stars serve him well.

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Kristen Lopez

Culturess

Nov 20, 2017

The first major representation of the Armenian genocide boasts solid acting but falls short of the mark by a hokey, old-fashioned romance.

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Rex Reed

Observer

Sep 5, 2017

3/4

Terry George ... proved with Hotel Rwanda that he can tackle the wrenching subject of genocide with thrilling cinematic results. A wonderful cast adds no-fail polish.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Aug 17, 2021

2/4

Movies like Lawrence of Arabia and Reds had the ability to sweep viewers away with their passion and grandeur. The only sweeping to be found in this case will be by the theater employee tasked with removing spilled popcorn from the auditorium floor.

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David Lamble

Bay Area Reporter

Jun 8, 2020

The Promise can... be faulted for a plot that is so dense that even attentive viewers can be excused for wondering, What's going on here?

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Steven Prokopy

Third Coast Review

May 6, 2020

Not a great work, the film still manages to pack a great deal of power into its punches.

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Steven B

@RT77676529 May 28, 2026

Too bad it had to be a love story,the actual story about the genocide is MUCH more important.

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john M

@RT89940274 Mar 26, 2026

The Promise is a profoundly moving and visually stunning film that captures both the intimacy of human relationships and the vast tragedy of history. Set against the backdrop of the Armenian Genocide, the movie manages to balance personal storytelling with a broader historical narrative in a way that feels both respectful and impactful. Perhaps most importantly, The Promise strives for historical authenticity in its portrayal of the Armenian Genocide. It does not shy away from depicting the forced deportations, the separation of families, and the systematic violence inflicted upon Armenians. While the story is framed through fictional characters, the events surrounding them reflect real historical suffering — a reminder of a tragedy that claimed over a million lives. Ultimately, The Promise is more than just a film — it is a tribute to resilience, a reminder of history’s darkest chapters, and a powerful statement on the importance of acknowledging and remembering the truth.

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Alexander M

@alexandermcarthy Oct 27, 2025

Had low expectations but that was my mistake. Beautiful movie!

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Roslyn D

@RT22423609 Aug 24, 2025

Its a stunning movie. I am not generally a fan of war movies but this one is a must see. I started watching it on SBS and was hooked from the first scene. It documents an important and little known aspect of WW1 but with a plot,characters and a love story that engages from the first moment.

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Aren M

@RT61156126 Jan 20, 2025

It’s a very beautiful movie, and does a great job showing the hardship and the selflessness of the Young Turks. It’s a great movie to show and teach people about the Armenian Genocide. I have no idea why the “critics” are calling this movie bad.

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M A

@map4ss Jan 12, 2025

A really good movie, highly recommend watching it.

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Terry George

Director

Oscar Isaac

Michael Boghosian

Charlotte Le Bon

Ana Khesarian

Christian Bale

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Shohreh Aghdashloo

Marta Boghosian

Marwan Kenzari

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The Promise: Trailer 2

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Synopsis

Brilliant medical student Michael (Oscar Isaac) meets beautiful dance instructor Ana (Charlotte Le Bon) in late 1914. Their shared Armenian heritage sparks an attraction that explodes into a romantic rivalry between Michael and Ana's boyfriend (Christian Bale), an American photojournalist who's dedicated to exposing the truth. As the Ottoman Empire crumbles into war-torn chaos, their conflicting passions must be deferred as they join forces to get themselves and their people to safety.

Director: Terry George
Producer: Eric Esrailian, Mike Medavoy, William Horberg
Screenwriter: Terry George, Robin Swicord
Distributor: Open Road
Production Co: Survival Pictures
Rating: PG-13 (Some Sexuality|Disturbing Images|Thematic Material|Violence|War Atrocities)
Genre: History, Drama, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 21, 2017, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 4, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $8.0M
Runtime: 2h 14m

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