The Promise Movie Review 1994

Young lovers Konrad (Zoller and Zirner) and Sophie (Harfouch and Becker) find themselves separated by the Berlin Wall after a botched escape attempt in 1961. The estranged lovers meet only four times during the next three decades as they adjust to the systems under which they're forced to live. Somewhat contrived and cliched, this bittersweet romance uses Konrad and Sophie as symbols of the social and political turmoil and triumphs of the divided Germany. Received some criticism from East Germans who found the film's severe portrayal of Communist rule too harsh. Gets points for being the first post-fall film to explore the Wall's legacy.

Distribution

New Line Home Video, 116 N. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, Phone: (310)854-5811, Fax: (310)854-1824, URL: http://www.newline.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS
Running time 115 minutes.
Originally from German.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Romantic Drama, Politics, Berlin, Germany, Great Escapes

Screenplay

Peter Schneider, Margarethe von Trotta

Cast

Corinna Harfouch, Meret Becker, August Zirner, Anian Zollner, Jean-Yves Gautier, Eva Mattes, Suzanne Uge, Hans Kremer, Pierre Besson, Tina Engel, Otto Sander, Hark Bohm

Cinematography

Franz Rath

Director

Margarethe von Trotta

Music

Jurgen Knieper

Producer

Eberhard Junkersdorf, Bioskop Film Munich, Fine Line Features