The Promise

The Promise

Year: 2017

Runtime: 133 min

Language: English

Director: Terry George

Echo Score: 72

Budget: $90M

DramaHistory

In Constantinople during the years leading up to World War I, a young medical student named Michael Boghosian seeks to modernize his village. He finds himself drawn to the beautiful Armenian artist Ana, as does photo-journalist Chris Myers, creating a complex romantic rivalry. Set against the backdrop of a multicultural city, their lives become entangled with rising tensions within the Ottoman Empire, which ultimately threaten the safety of its minority populations and force them to confront the looming threat of war and persecution.

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Timeline & Setting – The Promise (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Promise (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1915

The movie takes place during 1915, a pivotal year marked by the devastation of World War I and the Armenian Genocide. This period saw the persecution of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, leading to widespread atrocities and the dislocation of communities. The social and political turmoil of the era deeply influences the characters' choices and fates throughout the film.

Location

Constantinople, Southern Turkey

Constantinople, the vibrant city of diverse cultures, serves as a critical backdrop for the movie. Known historically as a hub of trade and culture, it witnessed the tragic events of the Armenian Genocide amidst the chaos of World War I. The film also highlights the desolate landscapes of Southern Turkey, where struggles for survival unfold against the harsh realities of war.

🏙️ City 🌄 Region

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:46

Main Characters – The Promise (2017)

Meet the key characters of The Promise (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Michael (Oscar Isaac)

Michael is a kind-hearted Armenian man who embodies both innocence and determination. He arrives in Constantinople with dreams of becoming a doctor but is quickly thrust into the horrors of war. His loyalty to his fiancée back home conflicts with his feelings for Ana, showcasing his internal struggle and moral dilemmas.

👨‍⚕️ Medical Student ❤️ Love 🙁 Tragedy

Ana (Charlotte Le Bon)

Ana is a spirited dance instructor with a tragic past, shaped by loss and resilience. She navigates complex emotions as she forms connections with both Michael and Chris. Her character represents the strength of women during tumultuous times, embodying hope and compassion amid chaos.

💃 Dance Instructor 💔 Heartbroken 🌹 Strength

Chris Myers (Christian Bale)

Chris is an American journalist driven by a passion for truth and justice. He finds himself entangled in the lives of Michael and Ana, grappling with his own moral choices while documenting the atrocities of war. His character highlights the role of the media during crises and the personal costs of standing up for what is right.

📰 Journalist ⚖️ Morality 📸 Accountability

Emre (Marwan Kenzari)

Emre is a Turkish medical student and Michael's friend, who experiences the conflicting identities of loyalty to his nation and friendship. His character navigates the challenging waters of cultural privilege while attempting to aid Michael, ultimately facing the consequences of his actions.

🎓 Student 🤝 Friendship ⚖️ Conflict

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:46

Major Themes – The Promise (2017)

Explore the central themes of The Promise (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕊️ Hope

Hope is a central theme that permeates the film as characters seek to survive and hold onto their families. Amidst despair, the bond between Michael and Ana symbolizes the enduring desire for love and freedom. Despite overwhelming odds, the characters strive for a better future, illustrating resilience in the face of tragedy.

⚔️ Conflict

Conflict manifests in various forms, such as personal struggles, societal divisions, and the chaos of war. The characters navigate relationships complicated by cultural and national tensions, while the larger conflict of World War I unfolds around them. This theme captures the harsh realities of loyalty, betrayal, and survival.

💔 Loss

Loss is profoundly explored as characters confront the consequences of war and genocide. The film vividly depicts the emotional and physical toll on individuals and families as they are ripped apart. Through Michael's journey, we witness the personal impact of collective tragedy, highlighting the sorrow and grief of the Armenian community.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:46

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These narratives typically begin with a romantic setup involving three characters, but the central conflict quickly shifts from interpersonal jealousy to external, life-threatening danger. The love story is tested and often redefined by the brutality of war, persecution, or survival, leading to profound personal sacrifices.

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They are grouped by their unique blend of high-stakes romance and intense historical drama, creating a specific emotional arc where personal desires clash with collective trauma, resulting in bittersweet or tragic resolutions.

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Stories in this thread follow characters through a devastating historical event, often beginning in a state of relative normalcy before plunging into chaos. The narrative arc is one of endurance, marked by loss, trauma, and a desperate fight for life, often concluding with a somber reflection on the tragedy.

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Unlock the Full Story of The Promise

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Promise in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Promise is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Promise Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Promise, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Promise Summary

The Promise Timeline

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The Promise Timeline

The Promise Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Promise Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Promise

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Promise: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Promise

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