An orphaned girl, driven by poverty at such a young age, makes a promise with an enchantress. In return for beauty and the admiration of every man, she will never be with the man she loves. This spell cannot be broken unless the impossible happens: snow falling in spring and the dead coming back to life. Now a grown and beautiful princess, she regrets her promise, for all of the men she's loved has always been met with tragedy.
Chen's strength seems to be more with character-driven stories; here's hoping that his next film returns to more comfortable ground.
– Moira MacDonald,
Seattle Times,
5 May 2006
fresh:
With The Promise Chen Kaige has proven enough of a professional that he can make the product. But he remains too much of an artist not to scribble on his signature.
– Geoff Pevere,
Toronto Star,
5 May 2006
rotten:
The Promise is too full of frenetic disconnection and arbitrary comings and goings to connect meaningfully with the hearts and minds of its audience.
– Stephen Hunter,
Washington Post,
5 May 2006
fresh:
Chen Kaige clearly intended this Chinese fantasy-action spectacle to top Zhang Yimou's Hero, and I must admit that I prefer it to the earlier movie.
– Jonathan Rosenbaum,
Chicago Reader,
5 May 2006
fresh:
Has been criticized by some reviewers for its low-tech special effects. Curiously, I found this technical transparency part of the film's enormous charm.