A Promise

Synopsis

In A Promise, set in the early 20th century, we follow the complex and tumultuous relationship between two young lovers, played by Rebecca Hall and Alan Rickman. The film, based on the novel 'The Engagement' by Stefan Zweig, tells a poignant story of longing, fidelity, and emotional turmoil. Hall portrays the character of Lotte, who finds herself caught in a love triangle with the romantic idealist, played by Richard Madden, and her husband, the ambitious yet controlling businessman, portrayed by Rickman. As war looms on the horizon, the characters wrestle with their desires and societal expectations, leading to heart-wrenching choices that will alter their lives forever. The cinematography captures the exquisite beauty of a bygone era, juxtaposed against the characters' internal struggles, making 'A Promise' not just a historical romance, but also a profound exploration of love and sacrifice amidst the trials of time.

Cast

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  Rebecca Hall

  Lotte Hoffmeister

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  Alan Rickman

  Karl Hoffmeister

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  Richard Madden

  Friedrich Zeitz

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  Toby Murray

  Otto Hoffmeister

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  Maggie Steed

  Frau Hermann

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  Shannon Tarbet

  Anna

Reviews

A Promise has met with mixed reactions from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a low score of just 13%, indicating a general dissatisfaction among reviewers. Many criticized its pacing and characterization, with The Guardian stating, 'Despite the star power of Hall and Rickman, the film feels flat and lifeless, failing to capture the depth of Zweig's prose.' On IMDb, it holds a rating of 5.7/10, suggesting a lukewarm reception from viewers, who found the plot unengaging and predictable. The Metacritic score stands at a disheartening 36/100, highlighting a consensus that the film did not fully realize its potential. A review on IndieWire captured the sentiment succinctly: 'The film lacks the emotional weight needed to make the audience care about the characters or their plight.' While some viewers appreciated the lush cinematography and Hall's performance, they felt it wasn’t enough to overcome the film's narrative shortcomings.