Review of La Promesse (1996) by Tor M — 12 Nov 2014

I've had this film for a very long time. I was uncertain if I had already seen it but I was only confusing it with "L'enfant" I believe.

Anyhow, this is a pretty early Dardenne-film, and Jérémie Renier's first full lenght. It's very naturalistic and there are loads of sadness here. Most Dardenne-films tent to feel very alike. They often use the same actors, and they are all pretty short films. The themes change but there are always some of this mentioned sadness and they are also relevant and realistic.

Well acted, well developed and it carries some big emotions. Gritty and staight forward, still smart and very intriguing. The Dardenne Brothers are two of my favorite directors and this film is very solid, still not their best effort to date. Upcoming "Deux jours, une nuit" looks very promising as well.

8.5 out of 10 scooters.