For being a romance film, "A Promise" certainly lacks in romance.
The movie tells the story of an aging factory owner Karl Hoffmeister, his beautiful young wife Charlotte, and the promising youngster he takes in as his protégé. Eventually, a forbidden love ensues as Friedrich becomes enamoured with his boss' wife.
The way their "love" is depicted, however, is completely lackluster. There is no substantial build-up (though it is somewhat attempted) which would lead to the scene where they promise their love to one another. Perhaps this is due to them restraining their feelings, seeing as Charlotte is married. But, it is too restrained, too polite, too proper. So little passion & emotion makes it hard to believe that Charlotte and Friedrich have fallen for one another, experienced a secretive relationship, only to be seperated with little communication for six years. Surely that would evoke some form of emotional response? No. When the lovers are finally reunited, they are cold, emotionless, and act as though there is some dark unspoken history between them - despite the fact that they never even kissed.
Not to mention, shoddy camera work - the entire film features oddly placed zooms as well as headache-inducing shakiness.
Overall, the film lacked the tension and intensity one would expect from a forbidden romance. Which is a shame, because the costumes, sets, and music were beautifully done.
The movie tells the story of an aging factory owner Karl Hoffmeister, his beautiful young wife Charlotte, and the promising youngster he takes in as his protégé. Eventually, a forbidden love ensues as Friedrich becomes enamoured with his boss' wife.
The way their "love" is depicted, however, is completely lackluster. There is no substantial build-up (though it is somewhat attempted) which would lead to the scene where they promise their love to one another. Perhaps this is due to them restraining their feelings, seeing as Charlotte is married. But, it is too restrained, too polite, too proper. So little passion & emotion makes it hard to believe that Charlotte and Friedrich have fallen for one another, experienced a secretive relationship, only to be seperated with little communication for six years. Surely that would evoke some form of emotional response? No. When the lovers are finally reunited, they are cold, emotionless, and act as though there is some dark unspoken history between them - despite the fact that they never even kissed.
Not to mention, shoddy camera work - the entire film features oddly placed zooms as well as headache-inducing shakiness.
Overall, the film lacked the tension and intensity one would expect from a forbidden romance. Which is a shame, because the costumes, sets, and music were beautifully done.