The Promise

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.