Directed by:
Eric BarbierCinematography:
Glynn SpeeckaertCast:
Charlotte Gainsbourg, Pierre Niney, Jean-Pierre Darroussin, Finnegan Oldfield, Didier Bourdon, Jean-Marie Winling, Nemo Schiffman, Martin Loizillon (more)VOD (2)
Plots(1)
Promise at Dawn is based on an autobiographical novel by Russian-French author Romain Gary (née Roman Kacew), and following the original book, tells the story of tender love between mother and son. Beginning with Romain Gary handing his manuscript to his wife in Mexico City, Gary's narration takes us back in history. His Russian actress mother plays a big part in his childhood, as she makes sure her son receives a proper education despite hardships. The peaceful Mediterranean period follows as they move to France, and Gary studies law and dreams of becoming an author in Paris. The epic drama moves back and forth between the historical cities of Gary's youth as he serves as a pilot for the air forces during World War II. The role of the energetic mother who single-handedly raised her son as an educated artist is played by internationally renowned actress Charlotte Gainsbourg. The good son trying his best to live up to his mother's expectations is played by next generation French star Pierre Niney. (Busan International Film Festival)
(more)Reviews (2)
Romain Gary's Promise at Dawn is a rewrite of the Goncourt Prize-winning autobiography of the same name. Charlotte Gainsbourg beautifully plays the role of a loving mother who, although destitute, raises her son with only the best future in mind for him. Beautiful are the chapters from pre-war Poland, the setting of Paul Poiret in the plot, Ivan Mozzhukhin served as a male role model for a change, and even though our hero was Jewish, he lived through the war without all the clichés that a viewer familiar with the period context might fear.
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Eric Barbier has brilliantly transposed this autobiographical novel by writer and war hero Romain Gary into movie form, and the amazing Charlotte Gainsbourg literally breathed life into his mother with her brilliant performance. However, it should be noted that Pierre Niney also handled the role of her beloved son perfectly. I really enjoyed the humorous detachment with which this powerful human story was told. (85%)
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