The Promise

The Promise

Year: 2017

Runtime: 133 min

Language: English

Director: Terry George

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 – The Promise (2017)

Trace every key event in The Promise (2017) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Michael Arrives in Constantinople

In the year 1915, amid the turmoil of the First World War, Michael, an Armenian man filled with naivety and kindness, arrives in Constantinople. He seeks out his uncle to share his aspirations of attending medical school, marking the beginning of his tumultuous journey.

1915 Constantinople
2

Meeting Ana

Upon arrival, Michael meets Ana, the daughter of his uncle's dance instructor. Ana carries the weight of her tragic past, having lost her mother at a young age and living with the memories of her father's struggles as a famous violinist.

Constantinople
3

Friendship with Emre

Michael befriends Emre, a fellow medical student whose father pressures him to choose between education and military service. Emre, despite his struggles, becomes a source of support for Michael as they navigate their studies against the backdrop of an impending war.

Medical School, Constantinople
4

Ana's American Suitor

Ana encounters Chris Myers, an American journalist, who begins to court her. Their relationship introduces a complex dynamic, as Michael harbors feelings for Ana while trying to honor his commitments back home.

Constantinople
5

War is Declared

With the outbreak of war, the tension escalates, and Michael nearly enlists in the Turkish army. Fortunately, Emre's intervention secures Michael's exemption, but it strains their friendship as Emre navigates his responsibilities as a medical student and the pressures from his father.

Constantinople
6

Turkish Rounding Up of Armenians

The Turks begin to round up Armenian intellectuals and wealthy individuals in Constantinople. Chris, documenting the atrocities, captures the harrowing images of a destroyed Armenian village and witnesses the plight of women being forcibly marched away.

Countryside near Constantinople
7

Michael's Arrest

As the situation worsens, Michael's uncle is taken, leaving Michael and Ana to seek refuge outside the turmoil. However, Michael himself is arrested by the Turks, severing his chances of escape and plunging him deeper into a world of violence and despair.

Constantinople
8

Forced Labor Camps

Michael finds himself in a forced labor camp tasked with building a railroad for the Turks. The brutality of the camp is evident when a fellow prisoner is executed, reinforcing Michael's harrowing struggle for survival amidst the dire circumstances.

Labor Camp
9

Michael's Escape

In a desperate bid for freedom, Michael manages to escape the camp during an explosive incident caused by a fellow prisoner. He flees into the night, ultimately reaching the farm of a kind Armenian couple, who reveal the tragic fate of his family.

Labor Camp
10

Reunion with Family

Michael returns home to a bittersweet reunion with his family, learning that many of the young men from his village have been captured. Despite the heart-wrenching news, he is encouraged by his mother to marry his fiancée Maral, while he still longs for Ana.

Michael's Family Home
11

Orphanage Rescues

Meanwhile, Ana and Chris work with a Protestant clergyman running an orphanage to secretly rescue children from the impending chaos. Their efforts highlight the resilience of the human spirit amid tragedy.

Southern Turkey
12

Michael's Return to Ana

Despite his marriage, Michael tracks down Ana at the orphanage, igniting old feelings. Their reunion proves complicated as Chris observes the deep bond between them, prompting a silent resignation in his heart.

Orphanage
13

Climactic Confrontation

As Michael, Ana, and Chris attempt to escape with the orphans, chaos ensues. They encounter Turkish soldiers, resulting in tragedy as Michael loses his father and wife in the violence, pushing him to reclaim his family’s safety at all costs.

Bagras
14

A Stand Against the Turks

The villagers, now desperate and knowing the Turkish forces will not relent, make a stand in the mountains against overwhelming odds. Michael overcomes his fears and fights alongside his neighbors, showcasing the unyielding spirit of his people.

Mountain
15

The Aftermath and Legacy

In the aftermath of the battle, as the village holds onto hope, Michael adopts Yeva, symbolizing resilience and the continuity of life. As America prepares for World War II, Michael reflects on the enduring scars left by the genocide, committed to ensuring the memories of those lost are never forgotten.

America

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:04

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The Promise Summary

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The Promise Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Promise

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Promise

More About The Promise

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